The mission of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society - New Bedford Whaling Museum is to educate and interest all the public in:
The historic interaction of humans with whales worldwide
The history of Old Dartmouth and adjacent communities
Regional maritime activities
To accomplish this mission, the Society shall:
Collect, preserve, and interpret the artifacts and documentary evidence of these endeavors
Maintain a whaling, maritime, and local history museum
Maintain a research library
Promote and disseminate historical research
Accept and hold historic sites, where appropriate
