Exhibition Opening Members Only Reception at Conant House on Saturday, January 28, 3pm to
4:30pm. Remarks at 3:30pm.

In nineteenth century Falmouth the life of a Whaling Captain was full of adventure on the high
seas, dangerous encounters, and exploration to lands beyond their wildest imaginations. Whaling
voyages could take up to four or five years and only the Captains were allowed to take their
families aboard ship. For the families who did select to stay together during the voyage, their
lives would never be the same, coming back with stories that continue to inspire future
generations. In the new exhibition at the Falmouth Museums on the Green, the show explores the
opportunities and obstacles families faced at sea highlighting the Lawrence and Hamblin families
and others as case studies. The exhibition delves into topics like hygiene, community, and even
pet ownership to present a multifaceted overview of the topic using photographs and primary
objects from whaling families who went to sea. Ultimately, this interactive exhibition asks if
you too would have wanted to go on a whaling voyage.

During the event Eight Cousins bookstore will be selling copies of The Captain’s Best Mate: The Journal of Mary Chipman Lawrence on the Whaler Addison, 1856-1860, written by a Falmouth whaling wife featured in the exhibition.

Sponsored by Judy Frank, great-great granddaughter of Captain Zenas Hamblin of Waquoit.

Register Here 40 person limit