27 Hope St.
New Bedford, MA 02745
508-994-2573
Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Museum of Madeiran Heritage is dedicated to preserving the art and artifacts of the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Madeira is a semi-tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 600 miles Southwest of Portugal. As far back as the late 1700's, New Bedford whaling ships visited Madeira for supplies and to hire skilled crews for long whaling voyages. Whaleships returning to New Bedford brought the Mardeiran sailors with them and many settled in the area. Today, New Bedford has the largest population of people with Madeiran ancestry in the United States.
The museum features a 'carro de bois', a canopied carriage with wooden runners which was hauled over cobbled streets by two bullocks. Other museum's exibits include photographs, carvings, fine hand-made embroidery, lace and linens, woven straw hats, and colorful folkloric dance costumes. There is also a three-dimensional model of the island, a gift from the island's government. The model shows the facinating topographical features of the island.
The museum's garden features a grape arbor, central fountain, and island-style plantings. The patio includes commemorative bricks, which people can have engraved with their name or in memory of a loved one as a donation to the museum.
The Museum of Madeiran Heritage is sponsored by the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc. The club co-sponsors the annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, which is the largest Portuguese Feast in the World.
