The Melville Society Cultural Project was created in December 2000 to establish an affiliation with the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Together, we are dedicated to sharing an understanding of Herman Melville's writings, his life, and his times. Drawing upon the richness of New Bedford's museums, parks, schools, and other cultural institutions, our joint programs allow scholars, teachers, students, and visitors to explore this internationally acclaimed American writer whose works continue to resonate with our lives today.
The Melville Society Cultural Project Committee members are Jennifer Baker, Mary K. Bercaw Edwards, Wyn Kelley, Timothy Marr, Christopher Sten, and Robert K. Wallace.
On January 4, 2003, we celebrated the grand opening of The Melville Society Archive in the New Bedford Whaling Museum Library. The Archive, which contains primary and secondary materials from the collections of Jill Barnum, Walter Bezanson, Gail Coffler, Harrison Hayford, Jay Leyda, Robert D. Madison, William Reese, Merton M. Sealts, Jr., and Thomas Wendel, is available to visitors interested in research on Melville's work and life, during Library hours: Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon until 4 pm, and the first Saturday of the month, 10 am until 4 pm. For further information, inquiries, or donations, consult Michael Dyer, the Maritime Curator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and either Wyn Kelley: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mary K. Bercaw Edwards: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of the Melville Society's Archive Committee. Please note that these e-mail addresses are being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view them.
The Melville Society Cultural Project sponsors several annual events.
Moby-Dick Marathon
All are invited to assist in reading the entire novel, which occurs on the first non-holiday weekend after the New Year. Special offerings of "The Chapel" and "The Sermon" chapters are held in the Seamen's Bethel Church (the site featured in Moby-Dick).
Marathon Lecture
The Moby-Dick Marathon lecture is delivered each year on the evening preceding the Moby-Dick Marathon.
Click here for more information about the upcoming Moby-Dick Marathon.
Melville Summer Institute
The Summer institutes take up diverse topics for various groups – including high school teachers and graduate students.
The upcoming Melville Summer Institute is titled: "Teaching Melville: Moby-Dick and the World of Whaling in the Digital Age."