Whaleman's Memorial

Outside the New Bedford Public Library
613 Pleasant St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-991-6275

This statue pays tribute to the whalemen who dared to challenge the world's oceans in search of whales. The large bronze and granite statue depicts a harpooner poised at the bow of a whaleboat.

The inscription, A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat, provides a glimpse into the dangers and courage required to crew aboard a whaleship.

Dedicated on June 20th, 1913, the statue was gift to the city by William W. Crapo and sculpted by Bela Pratt. New Bedford's oldest living whaling master (at the time), Captain George O. Baker, unveiled the statue before thousands of onlookers.