The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center was conducting its board meeting on March 10th, when the Governor issued a state of emergency. The next day, the Center had to close. Gone were all the wonderful opportunities the organization regularly used to raise revenue like cruise ship presentations, tours, live events, and the gift shop. What also disappeared was the opportunity to regularly connect with the community the Center had created between staff, board, volunteers, members from the fishing industry, and the residents of New Bedford. They were able to salvage that sense of connection through Zoom meetings, but everyone was relieved on July 9th when the Heritage Center was able to reopen. Thanks to an unrestricted $7,000 Stabilization Grant from the Community Foundation, allowing them to invest in air filtration, touchless faucets, PPE supplies, and the like, Executive Director Laura Orleans was able to create a COVID safe environment for visitors and staff.
COVID Response: The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
