The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center on Bethel Street in New Bedford has now been open for 10 years. To celebrate, the FHC is holding a free Birthday Bash on June 11 (AHA! Night) at 5 p.m. at the center.
Festivities will include live music, a look at recent exhibits, something called “fisherpoetry,” several speakers, and yes, cake. Programs Director Joe Ritter visited Townsquare Sunday to talk about the party and other happenings throughout the months of June and July.
“The Birthday Bash is a kickoff to what is really a year-long celebration, looking back at our own institutional history while also looking forward to the future,” Ritter said.
Celebrate 10 Years on Bethel Street
The party will feature live music from the group Sharks Come Cruisin’ plus “fisherpoetry” from Moe Bowstern. Ritter said there will be several speakers and “plenty of thank yous” to those in the fishing industry, volunteers, local business people and others who helped the FHC not only survive, but thrive.
NB Fishing Heritage Center Facebook Page
Tracing the Impact of the 1976 200-Mile Fishing Limit
The current exhibit at the Fishing Heritage Center is “In History’s Wake,” the story of federal legislation that created the 200-mile fishing limit in 1976. The bill was initially cheered by fishermen because it outlawed foreign fishing vessels from harvesting fish within 200 miles of U.S. shores.
But some years later, when certain stocks started to decline, regulators put in place stringent conservation steps that prompted New Bedford fishermen and others to complain the regulations were hurting their livelihood. It’s a debate that still goes on today.
“We’re going to be hosting a number of tie-in programs this summer, including people who were lobbying on behalf of the 200-mile limit, as well as some people who were directly involved in the legislative process,” Ritter said. The exhibit will be up until the Spring of 2027.
Courtesy New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
Free “Something Fishy” Summer Camp Sign-Ups
Looking for a summer camp for kids? The Something Fishy Summer Vacation Program at the Fishing Heritage Center is free and currently accepting applications. The program is a week long and is for youngsters entering the fourth grade in September. Applications are available on the FHC website.
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Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg
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Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg
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