New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Offering Holiday Fun and More

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is spreading the holiday spirit this month with free programs to entertain adults and children alike.

Programs Manager Joe Ritter visited Townsquare Sunday to give us a rundown of activities coming up in December and January.

On December 12 (AHA! Night) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can sip free hot chocolate while trying their hand at creating holiday ornaments by decorating scallop shells.

"We've got paint, we've got markers and crayons," Ritter said. "You can use your entire imagination, whether its holiday-themed or not."

Ritter said the shells make excellent gifts, or you can decorate your tree with them.

Salty Santa and Mrs. Claws will visit the Fishing Heritage Center on Saturday, December 14 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. as part of dNB's annual Holiday Stroll. Visitors can also make a fish ornament and enjoy a 10 percent discount in the FHC gift shop. 

There are free films available in December and January as part of the FHC's Dock-u-mentary film series.

The first is Charlotte – A Wooden Boat Story. It's the story of a Nantucket man's efforts to build a 50-foot gaff-rigged schooner for use by his family and friends.

"It follows the entire process of the design, construction and the initial sail of the vessel, using traditional methods," Ritter said.

The film will be screened Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at the National Park Visitors Center at 33 William Street.

On January 17, the FHC will screen Voices of the Sea. This is the story of a 30-something mother of four, living in Cuba and longing for a better life. The film will be screened at 7 p.m., also at the National Park Visitors Center auditorium.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. The center will close Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 so staff and volunteers can celebrate the holidays with their families.

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