Women’s History Comes to Life at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

At the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the stories of suffragists are told through pottery and postcards in Lighting the Way: SouthCoast Women’s Lives, Labors, Loves, an exhibition opening December 13 and running through May 4 in the Wattles Gallery. The work highlights the profound influence of women in domestic life, education, politics, and social movements through an eclectic collection of artifacts, portraits, and manuscripts spanning from 1650 to today.

Notable features include pottery crafted by the Saturday Evening Girls, vibrant postcards by artist Theodosia Potter Chase, and artwork by graduates of the renowned Swain School. Childhood relics, textiles, and toys appear alongside striking photographs and documents from women’s suffrage campaigns, labor rights movements, and civic activism. Together, these items weave a compelling narrative of women’s evolving roles and lasting impact.

Naomi Slipp, chief curator and director of museum learning, highlights the exhibit’s focus on inclusivity and intersectionality. “We’re honored to amplify diverse stories that intersect race, age, class, ability, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity, and sexuality,” she says. “From suffragist Emily Hussey to activist Alberta Knox, these women shaped the SouthCoast’s development and continue to inspire today.”

The exhibition builds on the museum’s Lighting the Way public history project, which spotlighted women who played pivotal roles in the region’s history between 2018 and 2023. More than a static display, the exhibit encourages visitors to connect these historical contributions to contemporary issues, underscoring the enduring relevance of these women’s legacies. For more information, visit WhalingMuseum.org.