The Lagoda is a half-scale model of the whaling ship Lagoda, located at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Join educators from the New Bedford Whaling Museum for History on Tap: A Day in the Life of the Lagoda and a Whaling Voyage, a deep dive into the fascinating world of 19th-century whaling. Through stories, images, and hands-on demonstrations, explore life aboard the Lagoda, the world’s largest model whaling ship, and learn about the crews, the industry, and the far-reaching voyages that defined New Bedford and Nantucket as whaling capitals.
Discover the harsh realities and global reach of Arctic and 20th-century whaling, the economic stakes, and the surprising stories of the “Sister Sailors”—women who went to sea alongside their whaling husbands. This interactive program includes a slideshow presentation plus real baleen and harpoon demonstrations.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Captain Michael H.M. Taylor
Captain Taylor brings a lifetime of maritime experience to the table. He began his seafaring journey in the British Merchant Navy in 1958, rising from Apprentice to Ship’s Master over the course of two decades. He’s sailed across the globe in nearly every type of vessel imaginable. In 1978, he moved to the United States to manage vessels carrying project cargo to North Africa and the Middle East. He later served as Vice President at Maritime International in New Bedford. Now retired, Captain Taylor continues to share his deep maritime knowledge as a dedicated volunteer and docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Nancy Gentile
Captain Michael H.M. Taylor and Nancy Gentile
With a 39-year career as a research librarian, Nancy Gentile has made a career out of helping people uncover the stories of the past. She held roles in both public and private libraries, including the Newton Public Library and Millipore Corporation, but spent the bulk of her career as Head of Adult Services at Robbins Library in Arlington, MA. Since 2017, Nancy has been a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, where she gives weekly tours to students and adults alike—bringing the rich history of American whaling to life with clarity, depth, and heart. She lives in Mattapoisett with her husband, Mark.
🎤 Together, they’ll guide us through a multimedia and hands-on experience centered around Lagoda, the world’s largest model whaling ship—and a window into life aboard a 19th-century whaler.
Part of our History on Tap series—join us for an evening of local history, conversation, and craft brews.
Admission: $10 per person / $5 for members
Must be 21+ to sample beer; IDs will be checked at the door.
Enjoy craft beer from our sponsor, Cape Cod Beer, along with cheese, crackers, water, and non-alcoholic beer options.
We highly recommend reserving your tickets on our website in advance. Popular events often sell out quickly, and we cannot always accommodate walk-ins. Don’t miss out—plan and secure your spot!
Sponsored by Cape Cod Beer!
