Thar She Blows: Whaling in New York

Tara Rider, Ph.D. will explore how whaling has shaped New York’s maritime communities and culture. In the 1640s, Long Island towns such as East Hampton and Southampton formed local shore whaling companies that led to the whale becoming New York’s first “cash crop.” This industry would then help drive the local economy in the 19th century as young men traveled the world pursuing whales for their oil and bones. Today, whales continue to attract New Yorkers, no longer for hunting, but rather for whale watching.

This lecture is FREE with Lighthouse admission.