The Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS) in New Bedford has a rich and growing history, deeply rooted in the vibrant traditions and seafaring culture of the Azorean islands. Established with the mission of preserving and promoting Azorean maritime heritage, our organization has thrived thanks to dedicated volunteers and the support of our community.

In recent years, we have been proud to see our organization expand in exciting new ways. In 2023, we introduced youth programs in partnership with the Community Boating Center, aiming to instill a love for the sea and maritime traditions in the next generation. This collaboration marked an important step toward engaging young people in hands-on learning about maritime skills, seamanship, and teamwork, all within the context of our cultural heritage.

Building on this success, in 2024 we expanded our youth offerings by collaborating with the Discovery Language Academy, which specializes in Portuguese language and culture education. This addition allows us to provide a more comprehensive cultural experience, teaching not only maritime skills but also the Portuguese language and cultural practices that connect our youth more deeply to their heritage.

An integral part of our mission is our connection to the Azorean rowing and sailing tradition, particularly through our participation in the International Regatta, held every other year in odd-numbered years. This regatta brings together teams from New Bedford and the Azorean islands, Pico and Faial, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition across the Atlantic. Recently, we have been thrilled to strengthen our connections with teams from the islands of Terceira and São Miguel. These relationships hold great promise for expanding cultural exchanges, offering members of both communities a richer experience that includes travel, shared events, and a stronger understanding of our shared heritage. We look forward to increasing these exchange opportunities both here in New Bedford and within the Azores.

After a 12-year gap without a physical space to call our own, we recently reached a significant milestone by securing a new location for a Casa dos Botes (Boat House) in the North End of New Bedford. This dedicated space will serve as a central hub for our activities, a place to showcase our traditional Azorean whaleboats, and a home for our growing programs. This Casa dos Botes will enable us to deepen our impact in the community by offering educational workshops, cultural events, and a gathering place for those passionate about preserving Azorean maritime traditions.

With each new program and partnership, the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society continues to celebrate and sustain the Azorean spirit here in New Bedford, honoring the legacy of those who came before us and inspiring future generations to carry it forward.

With your help this Giving Tuesday, we hope to reach $6,000 in donations. This will guarantee an additional cohort for youth programs in 2025.

Giving Tuesday

By Azorean Maritime Heritage Society

Giving Tuesday

Help us wrap up 2024 with a promising 2025!