The Charles W. Morgan is the last wooden whaling ship in the world. The ship embarked on its 38th mission after being restored in Mystic, CT and would stop at the port of its birth place, New Bedford, Ma. The town itself was full of enthusiasm and excitement that this ship was home. Everyone had stories to tell about the ship or a family member who was on the ship back in the day. As someone who sails and can appreciate the beauty of how this ship was a part of building this country, I could have listened to the stories forever. The history within New Bedford that surrounds The Charles W. Morgan makes you understand why every resident wanted him to be docked there after the voyage, in his home town! Some of the facts I learned about whaling itself were amazing and you’ll find these facts fascinating!
The Charles W. Morgan
- Hometown- New Bedford, Massachusetts
- Was a part of a 2,700 vessel whaling fleet
- Built in 1841 at Hillman Brothers shipyard in New Bedford, Massachusetts
- Over an 80 year career
- 37 voyages from 1841 through 1921
- Known as the “Lucky Ship”
- Reached every corner of the world
- Would be out to sea three or more years at a time
- In a four year voyage would bring back 60 whales
The Festivities In New Bedford
Nine days of concerts, programs, regattas, whaleboat races and parades, a whaling history symposium, public ceremonies and much more! June 28 – July 6
Saturday was truly a day of joy for the town of New Bedford! As the 100 invited descendents of the ships original crew walked toward the ship you saw their faces gleaming with pride. They were proud of their grandfathers who helped to build this country through the rough job of whaling!
Saturday, June 28
Mystic Seaport Dockside Exhibition, Traveling Dockside Exhibitions, Community Exhibitions and Educational Programs – 9:00 a.m.
Official Homecoming Ceremony – 10:00 a.m.
This public ceremony will include a keynote address by American author Nathaniel Philbrick
Opening of Charles W. Morgan follows the Official Homecoming Ceremony
Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3
38th Whaling History Symposium – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, July 4
City of New Bedford Fireworks – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 5
Whaleboat Skills Challenge – 10:30 a.m.
New Bedford Folk Festival – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
42nd Annual Cape Verdean Recognition Parade (Cape Verdean Recognition Committee) – 11:00 a.m.
Independence Day Whaleboat Rowing Races – 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 6
New Bedford Folk Festival (see July 5 description) –11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Whaleboat Sailing Race (PDF) – 11:00 a.m.
Bon Voyage Party – 4:00 p.m.
Read more about The Charles W. Morgan
For detailed info on festivities click here
Additional info on The Charles W. Morgan
Charles W. Morgan’ Library Resources
Crew Lists and Owners of the ‘Charles W. Morgan’
History of the Charles W. Morgan
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