AHA! Night Celebrates New Bedford Preservation

AHA! Night on Thursday, May 14, is all about preservation. Organizers are calling it "A Preservation Celebration." From the Rotch-Jones-Duff House to the Whaleman's Statue to the Whaling Museum, downtown New Bedford is celebrating its grand history of preservation.

Whaleman Statue Gets Rare Wash-and-Wax Treatment

AHA! Executive Director Kim Goddard stopped by Townsquare Sunday to run down this month's schedule of free events, including the first-ever wash-and-wax treatment of the iconic Whaleman's statue outside the downtown library.

"The library's art curator will be present starting at 3 p.m., answering questions about the whole process, and a lucky few spectators will be allowed to help with the project,” Goddard said. “The statue has been restored to its original finish, but it does need a lot of care every year."

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Historic New Bedford Homes Open for Tours

Free tours of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House at 21 Seventh Street will run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The New Bedford Historical Society has preserved the building, which was the first free home of Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna. It's located across the street from Abolition Row Park.

Preservation Experts Share Restoration Efforts

Preservation discussions will continue at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House on County Street, where preservation enthusiast Laura Parrish will outline her work in preserving The Whalehouse at 100 Madison Street, plus other projects in the region. The 6 p.m. program is free and sponsored by WHALE and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Museum.

Whaling Museum Offering Free Admission and Events

The celebration continues at the New Bedford Whaling Museum with free admission starting at 4 p.m. Events include a family-friendly whale scavenger hunt, a display titled “Forging Independence and Building a Nation,” and an old-time fiddle session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Student Art Showcase Returns to County Street

Don't forget to stop by the New Bedford School Administration Building at 455 County Street to take in the annual New Bedford Public Schools Art Show. Artwork from K-12 students will be displayed throughout the building. Entertainment will be provided by the Middle School and High School Jazz Band.

"When you go inside that building, every floor is chock full of amazing artwork by students," Goddard said. "It's really impressive."

These are just a fraction of the events happening on AHA! Night in New Bedford on May 14. Visit ahanewbedford.org for more information.

If you would like your nonprofit organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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Gallery Credit: Barry Richard

LOOK: These Things in the 1980s Scared the Heck Out of Kids

From terrifying TV movies to strangers selling candy and creepy movie scenes, these unsettling moments stuck with ’80s kids long after the bedroom lights were supposed to be off.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz