New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park celebrates Black History Month

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is offering a month of free events in recognition of Black History Month beginning Feb. 4 and continuing through the end of the month.

Here are the upcoming event taking place at the Visitor Center at 33 William St., New Bedford:

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Feb. 4: 1 p.m. Saturday, screening of the feature film "Harriet: An American Legend." The film tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Following the screening, there will be a discussion on the thrilling and inspirational life of this iconic American hero.

Feb. 9: 6 p.m. Thursday, register for this online presentation and discussion on New Bedford’s Underground Railroad: New Bedford’s Most Powerful Protest. Ranger Rufai will share the stories of six of New Bedford’s agitators from our city’s abolitionist and anti-slavery history. Local leaders include Nathan and Mary “Polly” Johnson, William and Lucinda Clark Bush, William Still, who is connected to New Bedford through his work in Philadelphia, Henry ‘Box’ Brown, Captain Daniel Drayton of the Schooner Pearl, and Andrew Robeson, Quaker Abolitionist.

Feb. 18: 2 p.m. Saturday, register for this online presentation "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass in New Bedford": A conversation between Abby Almy, one of New Bedford’s 1850s Ladies, and Frederick. View a prerecorded conversation between Frederick Douglass (Nathan Richardson) and his New Bedford neighbor Abby Almy (Judy Roderiques) as they talk about life in New Bedford and the anti-slavery and women’s movements of the day. Following the pre-recorded presentation, Mr. Douglass and Mrs. Almy will be available for an online live Q&A.

Feb 25: 2 p.m. Saturday, head into the Corson Theater for Black Entrepreneurship Then and Now as we pay homage to three of New Bedford’s own 18th and 19th century entrepreneurs: Paul Cuffe, Mary “Polly” Johnson, and Lewis Temple. From today, highlights include Black Entrepreneurship in New Bedford with talks/presentations from Samia Walker, Executive Director, E For All SouthCoast; Lonelle Walker, Executive Director, Doers Lab NB; and Jaden Reyes, Brown Suga Stationery.

For more information, call 508-996-4095, visit nps.gov/NEBE, or follow the park’s social media accounts on Facebook.com/NewBedfordNPS and Instagram.com/NewBedfordNPS.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park celebrates Black History Month