Celebrate December at New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

A prominent New Bedford fishing family, fishing-centric films showcasing other ports, and some fishing-related holiday fun will highlight December at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center on Bethel Street. Programs Director Joe Ritter joined Townsquare Sunday to run down the calendar of events.

Nanfelt Family Exhibit Celebrates Local Fishing History

"The Nanfelt family will be the sixth in our 'Hauling Back' series of fishing families and businesses that have helped make the Port of New Bedford the top dollar-valued port in North America," Ritter said. The Nanfelt family owns and operates Kyler's Seafood and Kyler's Catch Seafood Market and Kitchen, located at 2 Washburn Street.

"The Nanfelt family and Kyler's have been a significant player in the seafood industry since 1946, when they opened as Coastal Fisheries on the waterfront," Ritter said.

The exhibit will feature on-scene video, interviews with family members and photos of the business compiled by photographer Phil Mello and videographer Markham Starr. The exhibit opens on December 11 (AHA! Night) at the FHC, located at 38 Bethel Street.

Get our free mobile app

Holiday Crafts and Activities for Families

Also on December 11, the FHC will offer a free program on scallop shell decorating, along with hot chocolate. The gift shop will be offering a 10 percent discount that evening as well.

On Saturday, December 13, the Fishing Heritage Center will host a special story time from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with appearances by Salty Santa and Mrs. Claws. Visitors can also take part in a seafood scavenger hunt and listen to music provided by the Butler Flats Chantey and Chowdah Society vocal quintet. The FHC gift shop will also be offering a 10 percent discount during the event.

Dock-u-mentary Film Series: Striker’s Passing

On December 19, the FHC will present the film Striker's Passing as part of its free "Dock-u-mentary" film series. The film will be shown at the National Park Visitors Center at 33 William Street beginning at 7 p.m.

"The documentary was made by Jeremy Mayhew, who comes from a significant swordfishing family," Ritter said. "The film is about Mayhew's father Gregory, who was the last swordfish striker operating on the East Coast."

Visiting the Fishing Heritage Center

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, check out fishingheritagecenter.org.

If you would like your nonprofit featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.