New Bedford Whaling Museum Samantha Medeiros MGT 336

The Whaling Industry Spanned from 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

Management Jonathan 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 whalemen George 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