We are excited to announce that we have added a new database: American Offshore Whaling Crew Lists, 1799-1927 to our collection. This database is comprised of 6082 names and records and is searchable for given names and surnames, and includes port and voyage information.
This database includes information about all known American offshore (or “pelagic”) whaling voyages from the 1700s to the 1920s. The voyages included in the database sailed from, or were under the registry of, what is now the United States. A voyage was defined to be complete when the vessel returned to its port of departure or registry. This database includes crew lists from four New England ports: Fall River, MA, New Bedford, MA, Salem, MA, and New London, CT.
This database is the result of a partnership with the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Nantucket Historical Association. Their joint work on whaling history can be found here.
Please Note: This database is available to all NEHGS members, including Guest members, at no cost. Consider membership.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Database Volunteer Coordinator, Zobeida, at zobeida.chaffee-valdes@nehgs.org.