Whaling Museum Plans Book Club

The Whaling Museum & Education Center will host a new book club in partnership with local libraries.

The partnership, Beyond the Book with The Whaling Museum will explore stories through connections with the museum’s historic collections.

Adults are invited to read at home and then join book club discussions and educator-led talks at the museum that use the collection to connect to the texts. In addition, registrants will receive a brief video at the start of the month presenting a  discussion question and a highlight from the museum’s collection in relation to it.

The first session is Feb. 23 and features the book titled, Whaling Captains of Color” America’s First Meritocracy by Skip Finley. This book looks into the lives of African American whaling captains and is a segue to the exhibit, From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora.

In March, Beyond the Book will feature In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick. The club  will meet on March 23at 6:30pm. This book details the loss of the whaleship Essex in 1820, the event which inspired Moby Dick.

In April, the book club will feature Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates by David Cordingly. The club will meet April 27 at 6:30pm. This book explores the golden age of piracy and the truth behind many pirate legends.

“History offers readers the opportunity to relive so many adventures, stories, and experiences. Our museum ‘s 6,000-item collection can help bring a deeper level of understanding and relatability about the past. We are excited to expand our ongoing partnerships with nearby libraries to increase adult programming for locals.” Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of The Whaling Museum.

Each book club meeting is approximately one hour long.

Beyond the Book club sessions are free for museum members and patrons of our partner libraries. All others may attend for $15 per session. Registration is available at cshwhalingmuseum.org/bookclub

Hey, Huntington, All This Could Be Yours. Plus Books




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