Old Dartmouth Historical Society

Old Dartmouth Historical Society is a historical society located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Westport, Massachusetts. The society was founded in 1903 by a group of local historians, including William Wallace Crapo and Henry B. Worth, who were instrumental in establishing the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The society's early efforts were focused on collecting and preserving historical artifacts and documents related to the American whaling industry, with notable contributions from Herman Melville and Nathaniel Philbrick.

● History

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when it was established to promote the study and appreciation of local history. The society's founders, including William Wallace Crapo and Henry B. Worth, were influenced by the work of historians such as George Bancroft and Francis Parkman. The society's early efforts were focused on collecting and preserving historical artifacts and documents related to the American whaling industry, with notable contributions from Herman Melville and Nathaniel Philbrick. The society has also been involved in the preservation of historic properties, including the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which are both affiliated with the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Mission and Objectives

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Westport, Massachusetts, with a focus on the American whaling industry and its impact on the region. The society's objectives include promoting the study and appreciation of local history, supporting historical research and education, and preserving historic properties and artifacts. The society has collaborated with other organizations, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, and the National Maritime Historical Society, to achieve its objectives. Notable historians, such as David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin, have supported the society's mission, along with institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.

● Collections and Exhibitions

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society's collections include a wide range of historical artifacts and documents related to the American whaling industry, including whaling logs, ship models, and whaling equipment. The society also has an extensive collection of historical photographs and documents related to the history of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Westport, Massachusetts. The society's exhibitions have featured notable works by artists such as Albert Pinkham Ryder and Thomas Hart Benton, and have been supported by institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. The society has also collaborated with other museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Peabody Essex Museum, to develop exhibitions and programs.

● Properties and Museums

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society owns and operates several historic properties, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. The society also manages the Whaling Museum's Research Library, which is a major repository of historical documents and artifacts related to the American whaling industry. The society's properties and museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and are affiliated with the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The society has also partnered with other organizations, including the National Maritime Historical Society and the United States Coast Guard, to preserve and interpret historic properties and artifacts.

● Education and Outreach

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society offers a range of educational programs and outreach activities, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. The society's education programs are designed to promote the study and appreciation of local history, and are supported by institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The society has also collaborated with other organizations, including the New Bedford Public Schools and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, to develop educational programs and resources. Notable educators, such as Howard Zinn and James Loewen, have supported the society's education initiatives, along with organizations like the National Council for the Social Studies and the Organization of American Historians.

● Governance and Membership

The Old Dartmouth Historical Society is governed by a board of trustees, which includes representatives from the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, and other local historical organizations. The society has a diverse membership, which includes historians, educators, and community leaders from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Westport, Massachusetts. The society is a member of the American Historical Association and the National Council on Public History, and has collaborated with other organizations, including the Massachusetts Historical Society and the New England Historic Genealogical Society, to promote the study and appreciation of local history. The society has also been recognized by the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its contributions to historic preservation and education. Category:Historical societies in Massachusetts