The mission of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, which governs the New Bedford Whaling Museum, is to educate and interest all the public in the historic interaction worldwide of humans with whales; in history of Old Dartmouth and adjacent communities; and in regional maritime activity. To accomplish this the society shall collect, preserve and interpret the artifacts and documentary evidence of these endeavors; maintain a whaling, maritime and local history museum, maintain a library; promote and disseminate historical research; and accept historic sites where appropriate.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The museum seeks to advance understanding related to the influence of the whaling industry and the port of New Bedford on the history, economy, ecology, arts, and cultures of the region, the nation and the world. The museum will expand its capacity to tell the stories of the many diverse communities that shared in the creation of this history, through excellence in our collections, scholarship, and all forms of public engagement. In doing so the museum will be recognized as a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.