August 07, 2006
Westport Whaling in the 19th century - lecture and exhibit
An exhibition and lecture recalling Westport’s whaling heritage
Westport Historical Society marks the opening of the new exhibition “A
Perilous Life” – Westport Whaling in the 19th Century with a
special illustrated lecture presented by Richard C. Kugler, Director
Emeritus of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Mr. Kugler will address the
subject of whaling out of Westport, focusing on the Kate Cory, a
Westport built whaling vessel, with a particularly well documented
history including particulars of her construction and her ultimate fate
tied to the ravages of the Civil War. Richard Kugler is closely tied to
Westport’s whaling heritage both professionally and personally, the
Kate Cory having been named after his great aunt, and his
great-grandfather, Alexander H. Cory, being one of the principle whaling
agents of the town.
The exhibit “A Perilous Life” brings together collections
generously contributed by local individuals relating to Westport whaling
activities and examines the impact of this industry through letters,
journals, photographs and first-hand accounts by Westport whalemen and
their families ashore. These original documents paint a vivid portrait
of the romance and perils endemic to this industry including
shipbuilding at the Head and the Point, entrepreneurs who made and lost
fortunes, whaling masters, both drunken and pious, and the ordinary
whalemen, some of whom suffered terrible fates and some of whom returned
with a lifetime supply of exotic tales.
Illustrated lecture with Richard C. Kugler, 7.30 PM Thursday August 24th at Howland Hall,
United Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road, Westport Point. Admission free,
please call 508 636 6011 for reservations.
“A Perilous Life” – Westport Whaling in the 19th Century
Bell School, 25 Drift Road at the Head of Westport
Open 10 – 4, Saturday August 26th through Monday August 28th and
Saturday September 2nd through Monday 4th