New Bedford, MA—Visiting maritime musicians and craftspeople from Mystic to Cape Ann will enliven the streets of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park every Saturday throughout the summer season beginning July 10, 2004. Free performances will take place at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center at 33 William Street from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors young and old are invited to enjoy these songs and stories of the sea, have lunch in one of several restaurants in the historical park, and then visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, where performances will continue (for the price of admission) inside the museum from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Free traditional maritime craft demonstrations will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the visitor center garden.

In the event of rain, the musical performances and craft demonstrations will be moved inside the Visitor Center. Maritime Heritage Days at a glance—

Date Musicians ____ Craft Demonstration__________________
July 10 Daisy Nell and Captain Stan Anne Lima – Natucket lightship baskets
July 17 Deb Cowan and Jerry Bryant Gerry Vinci – figure head carving
July 24 Ian Geddes and Friends Tor Bendiksen – net making
July 31 Rum Soaked Crooks Dean Rantz – blacksmithing
August 7 Compass Rose Ron Raiseles – coopering (barrel making)
August 14 Celeste Bernardo and Craig Edwards Barbara Merry - rigging
August 21 Ye Mariners All Nancy & Phil Szenher – sea chests
August 28 Geoff Kaufman and Rick Spencer Aniceto Gilmette – model boat building

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling history. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only NPS area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social and environmental history of the United States. The Maritime Heritage Days series is supported, in part, by grants from the New Bedford Area Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is easy to reach and close to hotels and beaches. New Bedford is just one hour south of Boston and 45 minutes east of Providence. From Interstate 195 take exit 15 and follow the brown and white National Park Service signs. Parking is available at the Elm Street parking garage and the Custom House Square parking lot. Limited on-street parking is also available. For more information contact New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at (508) 996-4095, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/nebe.

Prepared 05/28/04

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