New Bedford Whaling Museum celebrates Right Whale Day honoring the endangered species

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — This week at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, kids aren’t just learning, they’re building.

From cardboard replicas of historic ships to Earth Day parades with recycled costumes, there are a few adventures in store.

“Humans don’t do a great job of remembering that we’re a part of nature as opposed to separate from it, so the museum hosting these events is reconnecting us to our natural resources,” said Robert Rocha, Associate Curator of Science and Research at the museum.

One highlight is Massachusetts Right Whale Day, celebrated Thursday, packed with hands-on exhibits, environmental art, and a musical storybook film.

It’s all part of an effort to raise awareness for one of the world’s most endangered marine species.

“Education part of it is key, we need to start these kids young and get them excited about saving our oceans and everything in it,” said right whale advocate Matt Delaney.

Throughout the week, kids and families are reminded that even small actions can create big waves.

“Each person can play a small role in making the ocean a safe place for those animals, even if all they ever do is keep their trash out of the ocean, that’s great,” said Rocha.

“Because they don’t have the ability to reach into their mouths and pull out the trash, we don’t wanna swim in it, they don’t wanna swim in it.”