January 4–6, New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, NB.
Join us for the 23rd annual read-a-thon of America’s most iconic novel, Moby-Dick. An experience you don’t want to miss, you’ll relive the famous, action-packed narrative and be transported back in time on the search for the elusive white whale. In addition to the main event, the Whaling Museum hosts two mini-marathons on January 5: a Portuguese-language reading of Tiago Patricio’s abridged Moby-Dick, and a children’s version by Classic Starts. #mdm23
The marathon is free. Some of the following events require paid tickets.
Friday, January 4 (not free)
5:30–9:00 pm. Pre-marathon Dinner and Presentation. Enjoy a meal well-suited for hungry sailors followed by an illustrated discussion “Gender and the Man’s World of Moby-Dick” by Jennifer Baker, Melville Scholar. Members $40/Non-members $50. Call 508-997-0046 ext. 100, to buy tickets.
Sat., 1/5: The Marathon Experience
From 10 a.m. Sat. to 1 p.m. Sun. (timing dependent upon reading pace.)
10 a.m. Stump the Scholars Test your knowledge of Moby-Dick and try to Stump the Scholars with questions for Melville Society Cultural Project members.
10 a.m. Children’s Moby-Dick Marathon Children of all ages can read a section of an abridged version of Moby-Dick by Classic Starts.
12 noon The Main Attraction The 23rd Annual Moby-Dick Marathon reading begins with celebrity readers nestled among the world’s largest model whaleship, the Lagoda. Next, head to the Seamen’s Bethel to hear Father Mapple’s rousing sermon (if your name is drawn in the seat raffle. Otherwise, watch a live stream of the sermon in the Museum’s theater). Readings continue while overlooking the New Bedford Harbor, with the exception of Chapter 40, “Forecastle-Midnight” in the theater with Culture*Park. Listen to excerpts read in multiple languages, bringing to life Melville’s experience of a culturally diverse whaling crew.
3 p.m. Portuguese Mini-Marathon Join us for the fourth annual reading of Tiago Patricio’s abridged version of Moby-Dick in Portuguese. Read Melville in the Azorean Whaleman Gallery with forty other intrepid souls.
Junte-nos para a quarto leitura anual de versão abreviada de Tiago Patricio de Moby-Dick em Português. Leia Melville na Galeria do Baleeiro Açoreano com quarenta outras almas intrépidos.
Special thanks to the Azorean Maritime Historical Society and the Portuguese Consulate of New Bedford.
Um agradecimento especial ao Azorean Maritime Historical Society e ao Consulado de Portugal em New Bedford.
5 p.m. Cousin Hosea’s Chowder House & the Decanter Taproom Recharge and warm up with New Bedford’s finest soups and brews — guaranteed to get you through the night.
Sunday, January 6
8 a.m. 20th Hour Treat Enjoy malassadas to fuel you up for the home stretch!
1 p.m. Epilogue A few souls will be richly rewarded for impressively staying up all night.
(Timing of Marathon is dependent upon reading pace.)
For more information, visit https://www.whalingmuseum.org/programs/moby-dick-marathon-2019/
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