Whaling Days: Malassada Connection

Join the 1850s ladies at the park's garden as they share what connects New Bedford, the Azores, Cape Verde, and the Arctic? The deep fried, sugary delight known as the malassada was enjoyed in all these places. Did the boiling of whale oil help spread this favorite? The Ladies will show items associated with these exotic ports of call..

1850s ladies aka Ruth and Abby, is a living history program of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.  It is a program used to educate the public and convey a sense of the everyday life of women in New Bedford during the prosperous whaling era.

During the 1850s, the building now the National Park Visitor Center at 33 William Street was the New Bedford Institution for Savings.  Ruth Bly had a safe deposit box in the vault of that bank.  Ruth and her friend and neighbor, Abby Almy, discovered that if they remained in the vault for exactly 22 minutes, they would be transported through time to the present day.  Disconcerting at first, the two ladies have come to enjoy visits to the 21st century.  They happily share stories of their life in New Bedford during the prosperous whaling era.  Seeing history through the eyes of people who lived it brings life to facts and dates and helps people get a real feel for the time period.  The ladies encourage people to interact, ask questions, and have fun learning about the people and events of 19th century New Bedford.

Fees

This living history program is Free!

Location

This program starts at the park's garden at 33 William Street, New Bedford MA 02740

Schedule

This living history program starts at 10:00 Am and ends at 11:30 AM.

Contact Information

Denise Delucia
508 996 4095
Contact Us

Event Type

• Living History