Whaling Museum Announces Joint Venture With Iceland Museum

Six high school students from New Bedford will have an opportunity to travel to Iceland to participate in the "Connecting Coastal Communities" program.

The program, which is part of a partnership involving the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Húsavík Whale Museum in Iceland, was announced during a Monday afternoon press conference at the Museum.

Organizers say the program will recruit 18 high school students, known as the Ocean Crew who will develop personal digital portfolios to share with their partners, who will include 9 students from across the Atlantic, detailing their school, home, and social life.

The students will also receive instruction in ocean science, whale biology, and ocean conservation from experts in Húsavík and New Bedford, in person and via distance learning.

During Monday's announcement Whaling Museum President James Russel told the group of students who hope to take part that the program will provide them with an opportunity to represent both their hometown and the environment.

"By fostering this partnership with Húsavík we are cultivating future stewards, you, for environmental sustainability and fostering ambassadors of the ocean's health," said Russel.

Congressman William Keating echoed those statements saying that this exchange will provide the students from both sides of the ocean to learn how two seperate communities with a shared whaling heritage are addressing issues involving the protection of endangered whale populations and better stewardship of marine environments.

Keating also added that the program would provide an opportunity to bridge cultural divides.

"The untold story is the potential we have in this world to bring us together, to bring countries together, to bring cultures together, to dwell on our common missions and our common goals and that's precisely what this partnership is that we're announcing today," said Keating.

Following his remarks the Congressman presented the museum with a Certificate of Congressional recognition for their participation in the program.

Mayor Jon Mitchell's office also issued an official proclamation declaring Monday Connecting Coastal Communities Day in New Bedford.

"Connecting Coastal Communities" is a result of a grant from Museum Connect, which is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the American Alliance of Museums.