NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Whaling Museum will be hosting Thursday, April 17 a cultural program that will delve into the rich and intriguing history of Pico – the second largest island in the Azores archipelago – and its enduring connection to this region.
Starting at 6 p.m., ‘Echoes of Pico: Exploring Azorean Whaling, History, and Heritage’ will feature a book release, film screening and panel discussion. The event is part of the museum’s Portuguese & Lusophone-World Lecture Series.
“These programs are an opportunity to honor the traditions that have shaped New Bedford and the deep, enduring cultural connections between our community and the Portuguese-speaking world,” said Amanda McMullen, President and CEO of the New Bedford Whaling Museum in a prepared statement. “Through these events, we celebrate the history, resilience, and cultural richness that continue to influence us today.”
Made possible with the support of the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies at Brown University and the Luso-American Development Foundation ‘FLAD’ of Lisbon, the program will start with a welcome from Massachusetts State Representative António F. D. Cabral.
Born in Pico, Cabral was 14 years old when he and his family came to the United States, first settling in Rhode Island and then Massachusetts.
His remarks will be followed by the release of Joel Silveira Avila’s debut book ‘Shades of Black and Gray – An Inquiry into the Island of Pico and its History.’
Written over the course of four years using information the Dartmouth resident collected in libraries and archives, some unknown to historians, the book sheds light on the history and culture of Pico through a question-and-answer format, touching upon the island’s discovery, settlement, religion, whaling, winemaking, emigration history and ties to New Bedford.
The book presentation will be followed by the screening of the documentary ‘The Last Azorean Whaleman’ by Nick Francis.
Filmed in the Azores, the short film follows a group of whalemen in their 70s in the islands of Pico and Faial, preserving their oral history of whaling, survival and friendship.
Founder of New Bedford’s creative agency The Franchise Group and holder of a MFA in Film and Motion Graphics, Francis has earned Emmy nominations and numerous awards for his work.
The event will culminate with a panel discussion facilitated by Sara da Silva Quintal, the daughter of immigrants hailing from the islands of Pico and Faial.Born and raised in New Bedford, Quintal manages the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s ecological restoration projects around Buzzards Bay and is actively involved with the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society, which maintains three authentic Azorean whaleboats and co-hosts the International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta.
A lite reception will follow the program.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets are $5 for museum members or $10 for the public. They can be purchased at https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/495/detail/678bcf432fdbd9097b3ccb37