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Description
The global whale population was decimated by the 20th century due to commercial whaling. Thankfully, fragile whale populations are now actively recovering. Mystic Seaport Museum Education Specialist Anthony Riccio says understanding how we got to this point is important, especially for anyone with an interest or connection to the sea. Riccio will bring his whale knowledge and some hands-on whaling artifacts to the Pardee-Morris House during, “Whales, Whaling, and Whalemen,” on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. Weather updates are posted on Facebook, Instagram and https://www.newhavenmuseum.org.
During his presentation, Riccio will take an in-depth look at New England’s lost industry, the whaling trade. From colonial origins to economic heights in the 19th century, Riccio will highlight the mechanics of the whaling craft as well as the individuals who sustained the trade for over two centuries.
Riccio will untangle the nuances of whaling in the 19th century, as conducted by the crew of the Charles W. Morgan, a whaling vessel now located at Mystic Seaport Museum, in comparison to the heavily industrialized practices of 20th-century whalers. He hopes the public will feel a greater connection to the stories of the sailors themselves, noting, “Even though life at sea is very different from life ashore, I think we can find common ground.”
Riccio will also discuss direct and indirect connections to whaling in New Haven. He cites the Henry expedition, partially funded by Eli Whitney, which sailed in the 1820s to help open Pacific whaling grounds. He notes that the commercial products of whaling—oil and baleen—were even more prevalent than ships in 19th-century New Haven.
“Living in Connecticut, with its incredible array of cultural resources, has made it possible and easy for me to access stories and sources related to this topic,” Riccio says. “And my work as a museum professional at Mystic Seaport Museum has immersed me in our regional whaling history.”
Visitors are welcome to bring chairs and picnics and stay for the afternoon. Free tours of the historic house are available 12-4 p.m. New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
About Anthony Riccio
Riccio is the museum education specialist at Mystic Seaport Museum. A lifelong Connecticut resident, he has been working in and around the state’s historic house museums for 11 years. He holds a B.S. in anthropology with a concentration on historical archaeology and has participated in colonial site excavations across the state. Riccio has a passion for history and believes strongly that first-person experiences and tactile, “hands-on” activities are the best way to learn. In his spare time Anthony enjoys the company of his hound mix, Copper, and exploring Connecticut’s natural scenery on land and sea, as well as crafting and sewing with an emphasis on historical clothing and household items ranging from 1400-1900.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250” and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at info@newhavenmuseum.org.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets the history and heritage of Greater New Haven and through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach brings more than 375 years of the Elm City’s history to life. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Sun, Jun 14, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Venue Details
Pardee-Morris House
325 Lighthouse RoadNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
