New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

General information

The story of New Bedford’s fishing community is being shared through the efforts of a newly established non-profit organization, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Inc. (FHC).

The Center has leased space at 38 Bethel Street in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The 3000 square foot, handicap accessible space will accommodate changing exhibits, public programs, school groups, archives, and community gatherings.

“The commercial fishing community deserves a place to preserve and present its stories and artifacts, share its skills and knowledge, and educate the public about its rich traditions, heritage, and contemporary existence. We are excited to provide that opportunity.” Executive Director, Laura Orleans.

The NBFHC is a community driven organization with a board of directors made up of individuals who work in, or closely with, the fishing industry. Phillip Mello (Chair) is the Manager of Bergie’s Seafood. Kirsten Bendiksen (Vice Chair) is co-owner of Reidar’s Manufacturing, a gear shop. Anne Jardin-Maynard (Treasurer) is owner of Jardin & Dawson Settlement House. Cassie Canastra (Secretary) is co-owner of Bela Flor Seafood and Marketing Director for BASE/Whaling City Seafood Display Auction. David Martins is a fisheries scientist at the MA Division of Marine Fisheries. Madeleine Hall-Arber is the maritime anthropologist at MIT Sea Grant who has worked with the fishing industry for over 30 years. Stephanie Rafael-DeMello is co-owner of Bela Flor Seafood and Manager Northeast Fishery Sector IX. Jeffrey Pelletier is an Insurance Agent at Sylvia Insurance. Laura Orleans was named Executive Director of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center in October 2014. She is a folklorist and the founding director of the Working Waterfront Festival. The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization.