Falmouth Black History Month: Learn About Black Whaling Captains

Falmouth MA

02 February, 2022

1:18 PM

Description

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth community will celebrate Black History Month by giving the public an opportunity to learn about the history of whaling in the region and the role race played in the industry. The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce said Highfield Hall & Gardens will host author and historian Skip Finley to discuss and read from his book "Whaling Captains of Color, America's First Meritocracy." Finley, a Martha's Vineyard resident, is a former broadcasting executive who now has a second career as a historian and writer. He wrote for the Vineyard Gazette for five years and has contributed to several whaling and history publications. In "Whaling Captains of Color," Finley integrates the history of whaling and its economic and cultural importance with an examination of the racial history of the time. Topics such as Ambergris and rats are intertwined with the stories of more than 50 whaling masters of color, their adventures, successes, and struggles. "Whaling was the first U.S. industry to exhibit any diversity, and the proportion of men of color was high,"a spokesperson from Highfield Hall and Gardens said. "A man got to be captain not because he was white or well-connected, but because he knew how to kill a whale." The book discussion will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 26. Tickets are $20 for hall members and $30 for non-members. Registration is required and can be done here. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase.