Homecoming of the Charles W. Morgan - Last Wooden Whaleship
| Hours: | 11AM - 5PM |
| Ages: | Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Fairs & Festivals |
The Morgan is the oldest commercial ship still afloat and the last wooden whaleship in the world.
The only older ship afloat in the United States is the USS Constitution.
The Charles W. Morgan launched from New Bedford in 1841, made its last visit to New Bedford during World War II, and will return home to the nation’s most iconic whaling city in late June.
To celebrate the Morgan’s return, the City of New Bedford is planning several days of celebrations and activities that will not only honor its rich history, but shine a light on the charming city as it is today with its working waterfront, rising culinary scene, stunning architecture, and thriving arts community.
“The ties between the Morgan and New Bedford are profound,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.
“We’re proud to host the Morgan, and even more proud to give residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate New Bedford’s rich history as a thriving seaport.”
The Morgan was designated a National Historic Landmark by order of the Secretary of the Interior in 1966, and she has also been recognized with the prestigious World Ship Trust Award.
She has welcomed over 20 million visitors at Mystic Seaport.
The Morgan’s journey will begin in Mystic, CT where the ship currently resides and head north to various ports in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
In New Bedford, at State Pier, the ship will be open to the public featuring a dockside exhibition program including demonstrations, music and the opportunity to explore the whaling vessel.
This is a homecoming over 60 years in the making and there are many descendants from the old Charles W.
Morgan crews that still live in New Bedford and will celebrate the ship’s return at the ceremony.
The Morgan will arrive on June 28 and stay through July 6.
During that time, there will be tours of the working waterfront open to the general public, food, music and cultural events.
The schedule of events is as follows:
June 28 – July 6:
· The Charles W.
Morgan will dock at State Pier and will open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
June 28:
· Official New Bedford Homecoming Ceremony
· Evening Gala at State Pier (6PM - ticketed event)
· Opening of the Morgan and Traveling Dockside Exhibitions (11AM – 5PM)
· Buzzards Bay Swim: This 1.2 mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor raises funds to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s work to protect and restore this irreplaceable bay.
savebuzzardsbay.org/Support/BuzzardsBaySwim
June 29:
· Ecumenical Service at Seaman’s Bethel
· Boat Parade in New Bedford Harbor
· Whaleboat Races: New Bedford hosted the earliest recorded whaleboat race in New Bedford Harbor, which was held in 1857.
This year, the newly-built wooden whaleboats from the Morgan will race to the finish.
June 30 – July 3:
· Summer Camp for New Bedford Students
· Whaling History Symposium
Friday, July 4:
· Fireworks and 4th of July Celebration
July 5:
· New Bedford Folk Festival: The two-day family-oriented festival brings in 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors with continuous folk music from 11am to 9pm on seven sound stages in and around the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
newbedfordfolkfestival.com
· 42nd Annual Cape Verdean Independence Day Parade: Celebrate and recognize the culture and history of the Cape Verdean people in the United States, particularly in New Bedford, with one of the largest parades in the city, Cape Verdean food, entertainment and a carnival.
cvrcinc.org
· Regattas and Whaleboat Races
July 6:
· New Bedford Folk Festival
· Official Closing Ceremony
· Bon Voyage Party
For more information on the city of New Bedford please visit:
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/
For more information on the Charles W.
Morgan and its voyage, please visit:
http://www.mysticseaport.org/visit/explore/morgan/
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.mysticseaport.org/visit/explore/morgan/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
36 Homer's Wharf, New Bedford, MA, 02740 map
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Homecoming of the Charles W. Morgan - Last Wooden Whaleship before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...