Dates:

Moby-Dick and the World of Whaling in the Digital Age is a three-week hybrid institute for 2024. Participants spend the first week online – June 23-28, 2024 – reading and discussing the book. After a break for July 4th, participants convene onsite in New Bedford, Massachusetts, for two weeks of in-person workshops – July 7-19, 2024 – at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Location:

New Bedford is a charming city on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts, with a historic downtown and active deep-water commercial port. The city of approximately 100,000 residents is located 60 miles south of Boston, MA or 30 miles east of Providence, RI. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is conveniently located in the downtown area, near lodging, restaurants, beaches, parks, and other cultural attractions like the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park and Abolition Row Park. Learn more at Destination New Bedford.

Transportation:

Visitors can access New Bedford by car, bus, airplane, and boat! Fly into the Logan Airport (Boston) or T.F. Green Airport (Providence). Bus service to New Bedford is available from Boston on Peter Pan and from Providence in partnership with Amtrak. The pending (summer 2024) arrival of the T commuter rail will make access to Boston and Logan Airport even easier.

Lodging:

Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites

185 MacArthur Drive

New Bedford, MA 02740

Located on the beautiful Historic New Bedford Harbor, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is the perfect location for both business and leisure travelers! We are located within walking distance of Historic Downtown New Bedford featuring the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Whaling National Historic Park, Seastreak Fast Ferry to Martha's Vineyard and a wonderful selection of restaurants. Tour our many art galleries, boutiques, antiques centers and world-class productions at the Zeiterion Theater during your stay at the New Bedford Fairfield Inn & Suites.

More information about discounted room rates will be available in March 2024.

New Bedford Harbor Hotel

222 Union Street

New Bedford, MA 02740

Our New Bedford hotel is conveniently located in Historic Downtown New Bedford, near attractions like the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Whaling National Historic park, and Seastreak Fast Ferry to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The hotel is also walking distance to downtown shopping and restaurants. The New Bedford Harbor Hotel offers fast free Wi-Fi and a historic, easily accessible downtown location.

More information about discounted room rates will be available in March 2024.

Seaport Resort and Marina

100 Middle Street

Fairhaven, MA 02719

Located on the picturesque New Bedford - Fairhaven waterfront, Seaport Resort and Marina offers an unforgettable experience for both Leisure and business travelers. Our prime location places you in the heart of it all, with easy access to stunning beaches, lush parks, vibrant shopping centers, delectable restaurants, and the historic and business districts of Fairhaven, New Bedford, and Dartmouth.

Local Cafes and Restaurants

Mirasol’s Cafe A Latin-American inspired coffee and sandwich shop, with an eclectic menu, packed with flair and fun without the fillers. Mirasol’s signature coffee drink, The Chippi, is a local obsession. This seasonal coffee shop is located next to the New Bedford harbor.

Tia Maria’s European Cafe Authentic Portuguese cuisine, pastries, homemade desserts. Full breakfast menu. Organic coffee, espresso.

Cafe Arpeggio Serving downtown New Bedford since 2004. Serving micro roasted coffee, Liege style waffles, smoothies and smoothie bowls, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, freshly baked pastries.

The Baker Established in 2016, the Baker – New Bedford is committed to serving the freshest, hand-made, artisan pastries matched with superb hospitality in a welcoming atmosphere. Serving freshly baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.

The Green Bean More than just a coffee shop, this is a bright and charming cafe offering pastries, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies and coffee and tea. 

People Pressed Enjoy freshly made juices, energy potions, coffee, acai bowls, smoothies, toasts and more in this juice bar and clean cafe.

Ground Floor Coffee This charming waterfront oasis is nestled in the heart of historic New Bedford on Merrill’s Wharf, serving coffee, shakes, pastries and sandwiches.

BesTeas Serving up boba, tea, organic coffee, espresso as well as a variety of sweet and savory treats.

Acushnet Creamery Located at Pier 3 on the New Bedford harbor, Achusnet Creamery’s second location serves homemade ice cream, frappes, sundaes, hot dogs, and quahogs.

Brick Pizza Authentic Neapolitan brick-oven sourdough pizza in 90 seconds plus salads, calzoni, beer and wine, outdoor seating.

Destination Soups Scratch-made soups, gourmet grilled cheese, seasonal sides, outdoor dining.

Whale’s Tail Clam Bar An old school clam bar serving fresh, locally caught seafood in a casual, beachy environment. Located at Pier 3 on the New Bedford harbor.

Izzy’s Restaurant Homestyle eatery serving authentic Cape Verdean foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the whole family. 

Whaler’s Tavern A charming tavern in historic digs offering a seafood-centric menu, raw bar, draft beers & creative cocktails.

Moby Dick Brewery Enjoy the freshest seafood anywhere served alongside the distinguished ales and lagers we brew right on the premises.

No Problemo neighborhood Mexican-style restaurant serving made-to-order burritos, tacos, quesadillas, taquitos, salads and tortas using fresh ingredients. A great spot to dine in or grab quick takeout.

DNB Craft Kitchen From-scratch dining experience, locally grown ingredients, house-made cheese, pickles and sauces, the original NB poutine.

Ming Sushi Offering a wide array of authentic fresh Japanese food such as hibachi steak, chicken katsu, sushi and sashimi, tempura udon, green salad, miso soup and more.

The Black Whale Serving a fresh, bold, and innovative menu that honors the history of New Bedford! Local seafood, raw bar, sushi, & great cocktails!

Freestone’s City Grill Housed in a historic bank building, with a focus on burgers, steaks, and fish.

Directions

New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA 02740

New Bedford is located one hour south of Boston and 35 minutes east of Providence.
Online Driving Directions (Google maps)

From the west: Take the Mass. Turnpike to Exit 106 for Rte. 495 South to Exit 19B – Rte. 24 South to New Bedford to Exit 17 – Rte. 140 South to Exit 2A – Rte. 195 East – Cape Cod to Exit 26 – Rte. 18 New Bedford Historic District to Downtown exit. Turn right on Elm Street and take second left – Bethel St., which becomes Johnny Cake Hill. Museum is on second block.

From north/central: Take either Rte. 495 South or Rte. 128 South (whichever is closest to Rte. 24) and follow directions listed above.

From the south: Take Rte. 95 North to Rte. 195 East, then follow directions above.

From Cape Cod: take Rte. 495 North to Rte. 25 to Rte. 195 to Exit 26 – Rte. 18, then follow directions above.

Parking Alternatives

The Fairfield Inn & Suites in New Bedford provides free parking for guests.

Metered Street Parking is available throughout the central business district (downtown), curbside parking is available for hourly-metered parking for a nominal fee (follow instructions on the meter). Learn more about the Passport Parking App used for downtown metered spaces. Free three-hour parking is available along Johnny Cake Hill.

The Elm Street Garage is located one block north of the National Park Visitor Center (at North Second and William Streets) and two blocks from the Whaling Museum. Vehicle height limit: 6’3″. Directions to Elm Street Parking Garage: From I-195, take Exit 26 (Route 18 South – Downtown). Take RIGHT at the first traffic light onto Elm Street. Garage is approximately 500 feet on your RIGHT.

Accessibility: The Whaling Museum is fully handicap accessible.