Free Parking
Don’t worry about finding a place to park. During AHA! Night there is free parking at the Elm Street Garage located at 51 Elm Street, New Bedford.
Start Your AHA! Adventure At The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center
The AHA! website will be available for you to look at along with Park staff and volunteers ready to answer any questions you may have. The Visitor Center (33 William St) is
open 10am-8pm on AHA! days.
Follow the Flags
Many of our participating locations will have a yellow AHA! flag prominently displayed to help you find AHA! Night activities.
AHA! Happens Rain Or Shine
Be sure to check the AHA! event page, Facebook page and Instagram Stories as well as website and social for participating event partners for info about location changes, program rescheduling and cancellations.
AHA! Night Schedule | May 9th
12:00 PM
Black History Trail Virtual Tour
Learn amazing facts and incredible history on the New Bedford Historical Society’s Black History Trail Immersive Experience. Go at your own pace and virtually visit important historical Underground Railroad and abolitionist sites like the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Plaza, The First Baptist Church, and the Homestead of Sergeant William H. Carney who became the first American of color to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Take the tour HERE
The Art of Amusement
Who says art has to be serious???
Humor, much like art, has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting people through laughter and shared ideas and experiences. Stop in to Gallery X to enjoy our newest exhibition, The Art of Amusement, an exhibition of artwork dedicated to art that makes us smile and laugh! Whimsical and lighthearted works by dozens of local artists will be on display. Special thanks to Bryant Davignon of Seaport Realty for sponsoring this exhibition.
New Bedford Food Tour
Walk, eat, and get the inside scoop as NBFT visit restaurants that showcase New Bedford’s rich history and heritage, from Portuguese pastry to Cape Verdean cuisine. Stroll the cobblestone streets with their guide who will help you uncover the fascinating history of this historic area, from whaling days up to the present. You’ll leave with a full belly and the inside scoop on can’t-miss local delicacies and where to find them. Your ticket includes all tastings, restaurant tips, and a fun guide. Tours run rain or shin. This is a walking tour, covering approximately 1.5 miles of walking. Starts at noon.
To purchase tickets, follow your stomach HERE
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
Art and Architecture
Join us tonight at the gallery as we celebrate New Bedford’s unique and exquisite architecture through the original paintings, prints and notecards of artist Alison Wells from two of her past New Bedford themed collections “Collage 02740” series and “In the Neighborhood Series.” showcased in a blend of semi-abstract mixed media perspectives.
Through Alison’s lens as a transplant from the Caribbean, explore New Bedford’s urban landscape, delving into the intricacies of time and space, and capturing the rich history and narratives of a city that once lit the world. From tales of the whaling industry to the Underground Railroad, each piece tells a compelling story.
Additionally, the gallery features guest artwork, stained glass hangings, carved wooden birds and more all on view and for purchase. Join us from 4pm-8pm
Wind Energy Education Exhibit
Meet the Vineyard Wind team at Bristol Community College’s wind lab. From 4:00-7:00PM, come explore the Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Energy Education Exhibit to learn about offshore wind energy, the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind project, and receive exclusive updates on the nation’s first commercial-scale wind farm! Experience the excitement of designing, building, and testing your very own wind turbine as well as experiencing the day in the life of a wind technician using virtual reality headsets.
Historic Paint Color Tones with Farrow & Ball
Exterior paint colors often perplex us when it comes to choosing a tone appropriate for the architectural style of a building. In celebration of Preservation Month, we are debuting palettes by architectural style with Farrow & Ball paint colors. Join us in The Drawing Room at 4pm for technical assistance by Tina Lalima of Farrow & Ball; followed by a reception 5-7pm where you can explore each palette and venture out into creating your own. The Drawing Room is open 10am-8pm for AHA! Stop in and discover something beautiful.
4:30 PM
Seaport Sessions: Mike Heffernan
Long Swan front man and songwriter Mike Heffernan will be performing a live, literally unplugged set to accompany live painting by artist, animator, and Mike’s Long Swan bandmate, Kat Knutsen.
District-Wide Art Show
Come see over 3,000 pieces of artwork created by New Bedford Public School students from elementary through high school. Roam the halls, listen to live music, and grab a quick snack from the food truck! A must-see, inspiring, and family-friendly annual event.
5:00 PM
Celebrating Our History!
Join members of Your Theatre for an exclusive tour of the NEW Steeple Playhouse! 20 minute tours will be conducted on the half hour starting at 5:00 p.m. You’ll learn all about our partnership with W.H.AL.E. and our efforts to restore this beautiful church. The new home of Your Theatre has so many connections to the local history of New Bedford, so drop in and hear all about it!
Double Take Opening Reception
Opening reception at Groundwork for Double Take. Dartmouth artists and friends Robin Nunes and Barbara Healy invite the public to meet the artists and come see the show, Double Take. The artists take different approaches to oil painting with Robin Nunes painting with a knife and Barbara Healy with a brush. Maxfield Street entrance.
Poster Making Event
Calling all artists! Be a part of the Spring 2024 Star Store Collective and Workers Art Center Poster Contest! The theme is “The Labor of Art in the South Coast” You can express your creativity and win cash prizes! Stop by the Star Gallery from 5:00 – 8:00PM for a poster making event, supplies are included! Use QR code or link to see more information and submit your poster.
Live Art by Kat Knutsen
Watch the talented, multi-disciplinary, local artist and instructor Kat Knutsen doing live art inside of Carter’s Clothing adjacent to historical Custom House Square and the 54th Regiment Plaza. Kat will be accompanied by her bandmate and Long Swan front man and songwriter, Mike Heffernan who will be performing a live, unplugged set. Read a clip of Kat’s artist statement here: “As an artist, my work explores storytelling through a deeply personal lens using a myriad of methods. Each discipline offers a unique avenue for expression and connection, and through my work, I strive to not only depict life but to enrich it, inviting viewers and students alike to join me in this continuous journey of discovery, reflection, growth, and expression”.
See more of Kat’s work at katknutsenstudios.com
Open House
Visit Serlingpa Meditation Center located in the turn of the century AE Coffin Building. Stepping into Serlingpa Meditation Center one can still appreciate the beautiful brick walls that now house the shrine and meditation room. They welcome you from 5:00 – 7:00pm to take a “shrine tour”, relax in the beautiful meditation hall, and enjoy delicious snacks.
Abstraction in Steel
Join George Bergman, Mya Ferreira, and Fiona Marques, sculpture artists from UMass Dartmouth as they exhibit works in steel at Gallery X during the month of May. The artists will be on hand for a reception during AHA night from 5:00 – 8:00pm, light refreshments will be served.
Make Your Own “Stained Glass” Design with Tissue Paper
Join Pilgrim United Church of Christ and Mercy Meals & More to make your own “Stained Glass” design with tissue paper.
While you’re here, learn more about Booker T. Washington, who gave a speech in our building in 1895 and visit the mural installed on the side of the building in 2023.
5 Pillars of Hip Hop – DJing!
5 Pillars of Hip Hop is a pop up program run in partnership with 3rdEyE Youth Empowerment and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offering family-friendly and interactive activities. These showcases teach the public about the history of Hip Hop culture through live music and art demonstrations featuring professional and youth artists. Each month focuses on a different “pillar” of Hip Hop including; MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge (of self and community). The Pillar for May’s kick off event is DJing. This event will move inside to The National Park Maker Space, 33 William Street 2nd floor if weather deems necessary.
Into the Archives
This AHA! Night, explore new and rarely-seen objects and photographs from New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s archival collection! The Center’s archivist will also be on-hand to discuss FHC’s new online collection database.
Pathfinders: Paving the Glass Revolution in the U.S.
This exhibition chronicles the revolutionary impact Dale Chihuly and his peers had in reshaping the view of glass from the realm of craft into a valid artistic medium for sculpture. Runs April 11 – July 14. For more info, visit Pathfinders: Paving the Glass Revolution in the U.S.
Art Credits: KéKé Cribbs – Persephone, 2022
Glass Mosaics, reverse fired vitreous enamels on glass
5:30 PM
The Carpenter’s Son
Get a glimpse of museum collections and archives from an insider’s perspective. The Carpenter’s Son, a painting by Edward Simmons, would only return to the walls of the RJD Museum after it had been terribly vandalized and painstakingly restored. RJD Staff, Sage Lamade and Dawn Salerno, will address briefly how the painting came to the RJD, as well as its symbolism and compositional elements. Donations are accepted in lieu of a fee, as part of AHA Night.
REFLECTIONS Exhibition Tour & Talk
The photography collection at the New Bedford Whaling Museum is replete with views of and about the water, often with reflections on the water doubling images of the sun, sails, or wharves above it. In general, water asks humans to reflect: the ocean is a vast space, with a visual blankness that lends itself to contemplative meditation. As Herman Melville writes in Moby-Dick, “Yes, as every one knows, meditation and water are wedded for ever.”
Marina Dawn Wells, the New Bedford Whaling Museum Photography Collection Curatorial Fellow, will discuss how the theme of Reflections runs throughout their exhibition of the same name. Free and open to the public.
This program is 1 of 2 scheduled at the Whaling Museum on this AHA! Night. It will be followed by the Songs of the Sea concert in the museum’s Cook Memorial Theater at 6:30 PM (Free, registration required).
“Called To The Sea” Opening Reception
Opening Reception for Elyse Laurelle’s solo exhibition “Called To The Sea”. Her artwork reflects the local seaside, harbors, and coastal spaces.
Places that Matter: New Bedford
Join the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) and the Trust for Public Land as we celebrate the release of our Places that Matter: New Bedford project! Over the course of 2 years, New Bedford locals identified the historic and cultural resources, parks and recreation areas, public art and affordable housing opportunities that deserve protection, activation and celebration in the city. Learn more about the online map tool we created and how you can use it to strengthen your work in New Bedford! The event will feature a demonstration of the map tool, opportunities to ask questions of TPL and WHALE staff and for the public to try the map tool for themselves.
For more information on the Places that Matter project, visit WHALE’s website.
Historic New Bedford Map
Free Henna by Mandy
All ages are welcome to get a free henna tattoo by Mandy from Wicked Good Henna! Registration is not required and will be available while supplies last. Hope to see you there!
This program is supported by a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Walking Tour and 50th Anniversary Party!
New Bedford Preservation Society (NBPS) will have special events and programs in celebration of their 50th year! Join them on AHA! Night for a walking tour of Bruce Barnes’ Favorite Five Historic Buildings. The tour steps off from the James Arnold Mansion, 427 County Street at 5:30pm. After the tour, the public is invited to join the NBPS Board of Directors, friends, and supporters for cake and refreshments at the Rotch-Jones-Duff Museum Garden tent, 396 County Street. Free and open to the public, no registration necessary.
6:00 PM
Marine Debris Weaving Workshop
Join Artist in Residence Rebecca McGee Tuck at the New Bedford Whaling Historical Park for an immersive workshop in the art of weaving with rope and debris. Discover the rich maritime history of New Bedford as we come together to craft small woven pieces that will contribute to a larger work of art—a woven whale’s tail. All ages are welcome to participate in this hands-on experience, where creativity meets tradition. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the past and contribute to a tangible piece of history.
Nathan & Polly Johnson House Tours
Nathan and Polly Johnson, prominent African American abolitionists in New Bedford, sheltered escaped slaves in this Underground Railroad ‘station.’ It was here, in September 1838, that Frederick (Augustus Washington Bailey) Douglass found freedom, a new name, and with his wife Anna, his first home in freedom. The house has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. Come tour this important, historical home right in our own backyard. Free and open to the public from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.
Music by Derek Dibbern | Photography by Andrew Kepinski
Join Cork Wine and Tapas from 6:00-9:00pm with live music performed by local singer/song writer Derek Dibbern. Derek is a Nebraska native and you might recognize him as “the guy with the top hat and Santa Claus beard!” Stop by on your AHA! stroll to enjoy live music, amazing tapas great cocktails, and original photography by local artist, Andrew Kepinski. Andrew’s work is hanging in the main dining room and showcases a very detailed history of downtown New Bedford.
Underground Railroad Tour
New Bedford was a port of opportunity and safe-haven for enslaved people seeking freedom and was home to many fugitive slaves before and after National Emancipation. On this compelling tour, lead by National Park Ranger Rufai, you will learn about the most powerful protest in our nation’s history. This tour will end at the Johnson House on Seventh Street which was Frederick Douglass’ first home in freedom. The tour kicks off at the National Park Visitor Center at 33 William Street. Free and open to the public.
“Unchained” Book Signing
New Bedford native Brian Mello will give a presentation and book signing on his book “Unchained “, a guide to breaking the chain of addiction for a new and better way of life.
6:30 PM
South Coast Children’s Chorus “Songs Of The Sea”
The South Coast Children’s Chorus (SCCC), under the direction of Dr. Tianxu Zhou, presents the “Songs of the Sea” concert, a captivating musical journey celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage. Comprising 75 singers in Grades 1-12 from throughout the South Coast, SCCC includes two ensembles: the Preparatory Chorus and the Advanced Chorus. In collaboration with the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, under the direction of Tom Goux, this energetic ensemble infuses authentic nautical flair into the performance, transporting the audience to the bygone era of seafaring adventures. Sharing the stage are special guests Global Learning Charter School Drama Club with selections from their recent production of the Little Mermaid.
7:00 PM
Seaport Sessions: Irish Traditional Music with Catalpa Ceilidh Band
For this month’s Seaport Sessions music showcase, please enjoy Irish Traditional music with the New Bedford Catalpa Ceilidh Band, led by Colin Everett (Golden Lane) on Uilleann pipes! This event will move inside the Fishing Heritage Center if the weather deems necessary.
Anomaly Poetry Open Mic Night
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
Neal McCarthy Band
The Pour Farm will have live music with the Neal McCarthy Band featuring electric blues and rock from 8:00pm – 11:30pm. Be sure to stop by for dinner and drinks too on your AHA! stroll!
Jazz Jam!
The Z invites musicians and music lovers to grab your instruments for a jam session led by sax player and music educator Emmanuel “Manny” Escobar! Shed all your cares, enjoy live music, improv and jam out with us. Musicians, vocalists, visual artists, and audience welcome. No prior jam experience or tickets necessary.
