The New Bedford Historical Society seeks to establish a solid base of research and programs that will make the contributions of people of color a part of the life and and history of the region as well as a part of the permanent, public record. In the process, the history of the region in general will become fuller, deeper, and richer for everyone.
SouthCoast marks moment with its own inaugural balls
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Remembering the Black Yankee
UMass Dartmouth MLK breakfast to feature author and actress Donzaleigh Abernathy Feb. 1
Governor’s special advisor on education Dana Mohler-Faria, former Student Affairs Vice Chancellor Sue Costa, and New Bedford Historical Society to be honored.
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New President / New Position Formed
Lee has been serving as Vice President for four years. In this time, Lee has written grants that have garnered almost $200,00.00 and as chairperson of the programming committee, she established the annual Frederick Douglass Read-a-thon, the Hidden History programs for local students and was responsible for most of the lectures, book signings and teacher workshops offered by the Society.
Lee, a native of New Bedford is a consultant for the Connecting Oceans Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in African American and Women’s Studies from the University of Massachusetts and is working toward a Masters in Urban Policy. She has been an education administrator and teacher for 30 years and has taught at the high school and university level. She was the Director of Educational Services for the Cityof New York, serving in the office of Mayor David Dinkins.
Currently, Lee is the Director of the SouthCoast Educational Compact at University of MA at Dartmouth , a school, university and business partnership working to support public education in New Bedford.
NBHS Receives 2 Preservation Awards
The New Bedford Preservation Society awards and plaques are also presented annually to restoration projects in New Bedford that enhance and impact Historic New Bedford.
New Bedford Historical Society Scores at Celtics game from Ronald McDonald House Charities
L-R: Edie Stevenson: Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House charities; Ronald McDonald; Guy Shepherd, Vice President , New Bedford Historical Society and Charlie Winterhalter, President; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England and McDonald’s owner/operator
The Ronald McDonald House Charirities(RHMC)) of Eastern New England presented a $15,000 grant on the court during half time at a recent Celtics game This grant will be used to expand the “Hidden History” program (see below) which includes storytellers, field trips and presentations to middle and high school students on Saturday mornings at the New Bedford Friends’ Meeting House.
Since it began in 1986, RMHC of Eastern New England has awarded over $12 million to more than 1,000 non profit organizations and programs helping thousands of children and families. Grants also support the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and the Ronald McDonald Houses in Boston and Providence, which provide a home away from home to the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Hidden History taught at Saturday Academy
Jonathan Perry, Native American historian, and students discussing Native American artifacts
Every Saturday morning , a group of about 10-12 local students spent the morning learning about the “Hidden History” of our ancestors.
This program will reconvene in September and we invite you to sign up your students from 9 –14 years of age. The classes are held at the Friends’ Meeting House on Spring Street
Our object is to create a sense of cultural pride as well as tolerance and appreciation of others. They will learn about our rich cultural traditions through Art, music and field trips. This year, we have planned projects to build storytelling and oral history skills. The outcome is expected to be a video and /or a play.