This interactive activity, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, explores the history of whaling in the Arctic and introduces a landmark study of whale populations.
This video, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, provides a portrait of Iñupiaq whaling as a community activity, as told through the story of one hunt.
focuses on one of the most successful whaling captains in New England. Edward Penniman was 11 in 1842 when he signed on as cook on a schooner. Years later, as a captain, he set sail from New Bedford seven times to hunt whales. The trips generally took several years each. Letters indicate he did not like life at sea, but the money allowed him to afford a large ornate house, which is featured at this site, along with a brief a history of whaling in America.
This selection of items from Mystic Seaport's archival collections includes logbooks, diaries, letters, business papers, and published narratives of voyages and travels. The unique maritime perspective of these materials offers a rich look at the events, culture, beliefs, and personal experiences associated with the settlement of California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. A number of photographs, paintings, maps, and nautical charts are also included to illustrate the story of Americans’ western seaborne travel. Various themes are touched upon, including whaling, life at sea, shipping, women at sea, and native populations.
