New Bedford - Massachusetts - Culture

New Bedford, a city of about 100,000 people, is located on the south-eastern coast of Massachusetts where the Acushnet River empties into Buzzard's Bay, 54 miles (87 km) south of Boston. The city is served by Interstate 195 that connects Providence, Rhode Island (about 30 miles to the west) and Cape Cod (about 20 miles to the east). New Bedford is also connected to Boston (about 50 miles north).

New Bedford is an authentic seaport city with a large fishing fleet and working waterfront. The seafaring traditions of its mariner forefathers still hold fast. As in Melville's day, the "Whaleman's Chapel," or Seamen's Bethel, looks ever seaward from atop cobble stoned Johnny Cake Hill. It remains an active house of worship. Across the street, the New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world's largest collection of whaling artefacts, including a large ship model, you can climb aboard.   Both places stand in the heart of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, a 13-block area of the downtown adjacent to the waterfront. The Park preserves and celebrates the city's role as "Whaling Capital of the World" in 19th century America.  The city was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, well known for helping slaves on their trek to freedom.

New Bedford is also homeport to the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The 105-year-old Ernestina brings to life maritime history and education to students of all ages.

The County Street historic area features dozens of whaling era mansions that Melville imagined were raised up "from the bottom of the sea." The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is one such mansion frozen in time. Visitors are transported back to 1834 and the opulence of New Bedford's golden age of whaling. Also located downtown is the Zeiterion Theatre, a meticulously restored Vaudeville Era theatre featuring original wall tapestries, massive chandeliers and Wurlitzer Organ. The Zeiterion is home to the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and also offers a wide array of stage entertainment from around the world.

The New Bedford Art Museum, located on City Hall Square, exhibits works from the vast 19th century art collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library as well as a board range of local and travelling exhibitions.

On nearby Bedford Street, the New Bedford Fire Museum features a large collection of 19th century fire apparatus housed in Old Station #4. Built in 1867 to accommodate horse-drawn "Steamers", #4 is the oldest active station in Massachusetts.

New Bedford also has many small shops and galleries. And numerous area restaurants feature New Bedford's legendary seafood and Portuguese cuisine. Finally, New Bedford offers a full calendar of fairs and festivals, including Summer fest, the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and the largest celebration of Portuguese culture in the nation, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

A diversified economy now prevails with the manufacture of electrical equipment and machinery, rubber goods, textiles and clothing, photography supplies, golf balls, and metal goods. Services and trade are also important. The city is a sailing point for the Cape Cod area and continues to be a major fishing port.