Curated maritime treasures, handcrafted nautical goods, and literary works drawn from two centuries of New Bedford's whaling legacy — each piece chosen for its authenticity and artistry.
The White Whale is not a typical gift shop. Every item on our shelves — from hand-turned whalebone jewelry to first-edition maritime literature — has been selected by our curatorial team for its craftsmanship, provenance, and connection to the seafaring traditions that shaped New Bedford.
We believe a well-chosen object carries memory. A brass compass from our collection doesn't merely decorate a shelf; it speaks of navigation, of horizons chased, of the patient art of finding one's way.
Handcrafted pieces from whalebone, sterling silver, and reclaimed ship timber — each wearable artifact of maritime history.
From Moby-Dick to rare whaling logs, our library spans centuries of seafaring narrative, natural history, and naval exploration.
Limited-edition prints, original works, and fine reproductions depicting the drama of the whaling industry and New England's coastline.
Brass compasses, sextants, and chart tools — replicas and antiques that capture the precision of age-of-sail navigation.
Meticulously handcrafted models of clipper ships, whalers, and schooners — displayed in glass cases or ready for the home library.
Exclusively designed items bearing the museum's insignia — from hand-stamped journals to ceramic vessels inspired by whaling casks.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum stands as one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to the story of whaling — an industry that once made this city the richest port in America and sent ships to every ocean.
The White Whale, our museum shop, extends that story beyond the gallery walls. We partner with regional artisans, independent publishers, and maritime historians to offer goods that honor the skill, danger, and wonder of life at sea.
Whether you are a lifelong scholar of the sea or a first-time visitor to New Bedford, we invite you to find something here that speaks to your own voyage.
"We traveled from overseas specifically to visit the museum, and the shop was the highlight — every item felt like a piece of the story we had come to understand."
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA 02740
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Hours may vary on holidays
Have a question about our collections or planning a group visit? We'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for your message. We'll respond within one business day.
