New Bedford Historical Society and Car Hire Boston

Located on 21 7th Street in New Bedford Massachusetts, the New Bedford Historical Society is a society that is dedicated to interpreting, researching and celebrating the legacy of African Americans, Cape Verdeans, American Indians West Indians and other people of color in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Remembering the past

One major occasion that the New Bedford Historical Society organizes is during Black History Month, with several events being held throughout the month. The Underground Railroad Walking Tour is a tour of New Bedford Underground Railroad sites. This is a free event that you shouldn miss out on when you travel with your car hire Boston. The Underground Railroad Walking Tour begins at the Whaling Museum plaza museum. Book readings and symposiums are also other common events held during this special month.

Recreating history

Restoration is an important part of remembering of past events. One special place that you should definitely check out with your car hire Boston is on 21 Seventh Street, the home of Nathan and Mary (Polly) Johnson Properties. The couple was a prominent African American abolitionist in New Bedford who sheltered escaped slaves in this Underground Railroad Station. It was here, in September 1838, the Frederick (Bailey) Douglass found freedom, a new name, and with his wife Anna, his first home. The site has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior because of the owners?role helping slaves to escape. The Nathan and Polly Johnson House is located within the County Street Historic District and was listed in both the National and State Registers in 1976. The Johnson House was purchased by the New Bedford Historical Society, with assistance from the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (Whale), in December 1998 and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Historical Trails

Travel with your car hire Boston to some famous historical trails as designated by the New Bedford Historical Society. The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza was the local recruiting station for the 54th Regiment. The first regiment of color commissioned in the North. This plaza commemorates the contribution of the Civil War 54th and the 55th Regiments, the 5th Calvary and the Navy men of color from New Bedford. Another place of interest is the Frederick Douglass Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Organized in 1850 this was the church Frederick Douglass and his family attended while he lived in New Bedford. The church was first known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In the 1930 it was changed to the Douglass AME Zion Church. Many of New Bedford West Indian Community attended this church.

Learning more

Historical Society members have helped organize "Portraits of a Port: New Bedford, 1847-1947" a summer teachers?institute at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and have been lecturers in the "Parks as Classrooms" curriculum in New Bedford school and at the Massachusetts Statewide Historical Preservation Conference. The New Bedford Historical Society also has special kid programs. Hidden History, a program for youth ages 9 ?14 years are given the opportunity to learn the history of New Bedford Neighborhood through interactive means which includes music, art, crafts and field trips. The fun activities include classes on art and music, learning to trace their family history, and field trips to area museums and so much more! See what the New Bedford Historical Society has to teach you when you travel with your car hire Boston.

Before you go?

For more information when you travel with your car hire Boston to the New Bedford Historical Society check out their official website at www.nbhistoricalsociety.org or call (508) 979 - 8828