New Bedford Whaling Museum

Samantha MedeirosMGT 336

The Whaling Industry• Spanned from 1789-1884• Largest port in the area was

New Bedford, MA• Each Voyage was its own

separate entity/ company• A new voyage presented

investment opportunities for anyone with money

• The industry was controlled by families

• No taxation, allowing for more profits

• Profits used to benefit local communities financially

Specialized Jobs

• Official Gaugers: responsible for determining quantity, quality, and type of oil on ships returning from a whaling voyage

• Port Inspectors: checked incoming vessels and verified that all men aboard had registered paperwork to be on said vessel

• Whaling Agents: managed voyages that were potentially producing enormous profits, but were extremely risky

Whale Products

Whale Products:• Sperm Oil: More

expensive, high-quality, “handsome oil”

• Whale Oil: Cheaper, lower quality, “dark and smelly”

• Candles: These oils were used in the manufacturing of candles

ManagementJonathan Bourne, Jr:• Cape Cod native ship owner / whaling

agent• Started out as an investor, made enough

money to buy his own ship• Hired the best available whalemenGeorge Howland, Sr (& Sons):• One of the families in control of the

industry• Whaling Agent, commission merchant, oil

merchant, oil and candle manufacturer, and banker

William Phillips: • Most knowledgeable in whaling industry• Former gauger, accountant, and office

manager of John Avery Parker• Took over business after Parker’s death Jonathan Bourne, Jr.

Citations• Michael P. Dyer

• http://www.whalingmuseum.org

• http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6405127819_55f215259f_z.jpg