New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Preserving Whaling's Legacy
The New Bedford Whaling Museum
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
1. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
In 1915, in the waning light of whaling's final decade, Emily Howland Bourne financed the construction of a museum building to honor her whaling merchant father, Jonathan Bourne, Jr. This marked the first steadfast effort to preserve New Bedford's whaling legacy. Housed here today are the world's largest collections of whaling art and artifacts, spanning seven continents and seven centuries.
The museum reflects the skill, industry, craftsmanship, and artistry inspired by whaling. within its walls are whalebones, whale products, harpoons, replica whaling ships, and whalebone's journals and art. Though the whaling age has passed, its memories live on.
Using a knife or a sailmaker's needle, whalemen etched intricate figures or scenes into the whalebone. Rubbing in black ink, tar, soot, or tobacco juice highlighted the designs and produced what came to be called "scrimshaw."
Hunting the hugest monster of the oceans, bringing fame and fortune to our city, has long since ceased. For more than a century this hill was at the heart of the intensive life of New Bedford.... It is now a place of memories. It is well for us ... to preserve them.
Henry H. Crapo, 1934
Erected by National Park Service, Department of
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 41° 38.128′ N, 70° 55.408′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on Johnny Cake Hill south of Williams Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker is located in the downtown area, just outside of the plaza, in front of the main entrance to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mariner's Home (within shouting distance of this marker); On This Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Double Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); New Bedford Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Centre Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Viking (within shouting distance of this marker); Seamens Bethel (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Robeson House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
2. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
View of the marker, with the entrance to the New Bedford Whaling Museum seen in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
3. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the Capturing a Sperm Whale, painted by William Page, after a sketch by Cornelius B. Hulsart, 1835.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
4. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing whalebone art which came to be called "scrimshaw."
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
5. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
6. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
7. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
8. Preserving Whaling's Legacy Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 461 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 3, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6, 7, 8. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.
