Fishing communities past and present have always seemed to have a fascination with sea monsters. That's the thinking behind the newest exhibit at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center at 38 Bethel Street.

It's titled "Sea Monsters: Real and Imagined," and it will on display at the center through the end of the year.

Executive Director Laura Orleans dropped by Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the sea monster exhibit and other goings-on during the months of August and September.

"It's been a lot of fun to research mythical sea monsters from all over the world and learn about them, and of course there are really strange things actually in the ocean," she said.

The exhibit opened during an AHA! Night in July, featuring work by artists Brian Tillett, Erik Durant, Christina Jacobsen Devilliers, Nina Mach and Wendy Pires.

As part of the exhibit, the Fishing Heritage Center is planning a creative writing contest for children ages eight through 12, sea monster trading cards, and a free lecture on sea monsters which will take place September 14 at 7 p.m. entitled "Sea Monsters from Classical Times to the Age of Exploration."

You can learn more by visiting the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center website.

Music concerts are always an important part of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Sharks Come Cruisin' from Providence offers an energetic mix of sea shanties and maritime music. The group will perform August 10 at the center, starting at 7 p.m.

Save the date: the Fishing Heritage Center's major fundraiser is happening on Tuesday, September 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cisco Breweries in the South End. The Seafood Soiree will showcase local seafood with signature small plates created by more than a dozen of the area's finest chefs and restaurants. Tickets are now on sale online.

Townsquare Sunday is a community affairs program, heard every Sundays at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on WBSM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to improve the quality of life in Greater New Bedford.

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

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