Discussion

Nancy Gentile from the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Captain Michael Taylor, a British merchant mariner, will discuss the details of the 19th century whaling business. They will talk about the crews, vessels, geography, and products from New Bedford, Nantucket, and Arctic whaling. They will even have demonstrations of a baleen, harpoon, lance, and whale lamp! Nancy Gentile spent 39 years as a research librarian in various capacities in private and public libraries. After stints at the Newton Public Library and Millipore Corporation, her longest tenure was at the Robbins Library in Arlington, Ma. where she was Head of Adult Services. Nancy has been a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum since 2017. She enjoys giving tours to student groups and visiting adults weekly. Nancy resides in Mattapoisett with her husband Mark. Captain Michael HM Taylor: Michael spent the first half of his career in the British Merchant Navy, starting as Apprentice in 1958 and rising to Ships Master. He has sailed in all classes of vessels and to ports worldwide. In 1978 he came to the United States to manage vessels trading with project cargoes to N. Africa and the Middle East. Later, he was employed as Vice President at Maritime International New Bedford. On retirement, he now volunteers as a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.   This program is free and no registration is required. Funded by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library.