Whaling Museum Receives Humanities NY Grant Award to Support New Exhibit & Programming

The Whaling Museum & Education Center has been awarded a $5000 Action Grant from Humanities NY to support a new exhibit and programming series called “Breaking Boundaries: Trailblazers and Innovators of the Whaling Industry.”

This project will document, explore, and celebrate the profound ways pioneers in the local whaling industry led New York in breaking key social, technological, racial, scientific, and economic boundaries of the 19th century.

Through a combination of artifacts from the museum’s collection, photos, signage, and responsive presentations from local artists, “Breaking Boundaries” will highlight the pioneers and inventions of our cultural maritime heritage.

Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in themed public programming led by the museum’s educators, which includes cultural conversations and workshops merging the topics of history, art, and science. Offsite audiences will have access to an online component of the exhibit, which will bring inspiration for progressive thinking beyond the museum’s walls.

Local artists on Long Island, especially underrepresented individuals, are encouraged to submit artwork responding to this exhibit’s theme for display in the museum’s gallery by July 1st. Entry guidelines are posted on the museum’s website.

Humanities NY (formerly the New York Council for the Humanities) encourages critical thinking and cultural understanding in the public areas through grants, programs, networking and advocacy.

Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of the Whaling Museum, says, “The development of the whaling industry is tied to remarkable and revolutionary advances in our society, which launched our country into becoming an economic world power. In a nutshell, this project focuses on using historical reflection to inspire stronger communities. We are delighted to partner with Humanities NY to facilitate unique experiences to encourage diverse Long Island communities to forge deeper connections with the trailblazing aspects of their maritime heritage.”

About the Museum:

The Whaling Museum is the only facility in New York State open year-round that explores local whaling history. The Museum continues to be in the top 4% of museums nationwide who are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), adhering to the highest professional standards.