New Landmark Unveiled in New Bedford

When it comes to landmarks, New Bedford has a few.  You've got the top of the Whaling Museum, the New Bedford Fairhaven Bridge, and the decorative door at Custom House Square.  A couple of less popular downtown landmarks have been the busty seagull and the sea urchin in front of the federal building.

One of the New Bedford's newest landmarks was installed last summer.  The mural on the Norpel Fisheries building tells the story of the people that make our local fishing industry pop.

The rooster on Union Street has been a welcome addition to the city.  I often see tourists eagerly snapping pictures of the overgrown bird.

Now, it's time for another new landmark.  The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center has installed one in the heart of the Seaport Historic District. It's a mural called Catch the Tradition, and it captures the spirit of America's most valuable fishing port.

Catch the Tradition features an authentic fishing net draped across the entire facade of a historic building at 38 Bethel Street. The display is made up of seven massive documentary images of different sizes. The largest picture is 17 feet tall. The theme of all of the photos is meant to provide a window into the lives of those who work to bring seafood from boat to table. 

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is located at 38 Bethel Street in New Bedford’s Seaport Historic District and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of the fishing community past, present, and future. www.fishingheritagecenter.org 

It's a landmark that can instill pride in our fishing industry and is sure to be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike.