Descendants of Whaling Masters presents: A dramatic reading of Whaling Letters

As part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration the Descendants of Whaling Masters, will be presenting a dramatic reading from Whaling Letters (formerly My Dear Husband.) Published by DWM, the book is a stirring collection of real-life correspondences between whaling captains and their wives and other letters that were written back and forth during whaling voyages. The reading will take place at Gallery X, 169 William Street, New Bedford from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. The dramatic interpretation composed of poignant and compelling excerpts from Whaling Letters will be performed in period costume by actors Paul Sardinha and Lucy Bly, veteran actors of local community theater, having performed extensively at New Bedford’s Your Theatre. General admission is $10 at the door. Light refreshments. Books will be available for purchase. The 116 page volume of Whaling Letters includes 25 photographs and retails for $16.95. Imagine a time when letters to loved ones took months to be received or perhaps, lost at sea , were never to be read at all. Such was the uncertainty during the whaling era. Whaling Letters is a poignant collection of letters written between whalemen and their wives, whaling masters and merchants, and fathers to children. Written “in the very midst of experience,” as editor Genevieve Darden observed, the letters speak with vitality and immediacy to readers today. Whaling Letters is fascinating and compelling reading for anyone interested in history and the whaling era. In 1980, the Descendants of Whaling Masters published a volume of previously uncollected correspondence of the whaling era entitled My Dear Husband. The book was compiled and edited by DWM member and UMASS Dartmouth professor Genevieve Darden. It was enthusiastically received and then went out of print for many years. In 1999, DWM approached actors Ray Veary and Lucy Bly to see if the material for My Dear Husband might be adapted for a staged reading at the organization’s annual meeting. When Ray and Lucy performed their first dramatic reading of excerpts from My Dear Husband at the meeting, it became apparent that there was a demand for a reprint. In the fall of 2002 a reprint was published with the new title, Whaling Letters, suggested by Ray Veary. An updated cover design included images that encompassed elements of the original book and at the same time infused new life into the revised edition. Sadly, original editor Genevieve Darden passed away in the winter of 2003 before the new edition came to fruition. Genevieve’s influence and inspiration was surely felt by all those who worked on the project and it was hoped that she would have been very pleased with the transformation into Whaling Letters Founded in 1974, DWM’s membership has grown to over 450, who now hail from over 30 states and overseas territories of the United States and who treasure their connection with their whaling heritage. Membership to DWM is no longer limited as it was in the past to direct descendants of whaling masters. In recent years, membership requirements have expanded to include not only masters (captains) but “crew” as well. Under the “crew” category, anyone who can document that a relative served in any capacity on board a whaling vessel is eligible to join and encouraged to contact DWM. Membership categories are descendant, relative, crew, associate, family and contributing. Being a descendant from a whaling captain or crew is not required for a contributing member. This category is open to anyone who is interested in whaling history. Persons interested in membership should contact membership chairman, Christine H. Davis, Chairman; DWM Membership Committee; 53 Alte Ziege Weg, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Telephone: 210-763-8772. Visit whalingmasters.org for more information. Helpful links are listed on the DWM website to help you document your ancestor. The whaling industry is a slice of Americana that may go unrecognized unless organizations such as the Descendants of Whaling Masters take steps to educate today’s public about this awe-inspiring and at times turbulent period of early life in America. The Descendants of Whaling Masters is committed to remembering and preserving our important legacy so that this thrilling history will not be lost to future generations. Goals of DWM are to encourage members to preserve and keep safe their whaling artifacts and records; to work on projects which increase understanding of the whaling era’s many aspects; to inform young people of the significance of the whaling period and its impact on world economy; and to enjoy the sharing of common interests. For more information about Descendants of Whaling Masters, write to: P.O. Box 3026, New Bedford MA 02741. Call 508-993-1999 or 508-994-3087 or visit our website www.whalingmasters.org

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