While Native Americans were the first people to whale in New York, Europeans arriving on the shores of New York quickly came to see these ocean mammals as a valuable commodity. Starting in the 1640s, Long Island towns such as East Hampton and Southampton formed local shore whaling companies that led to the whale becoming New York’s first “cash crop”. This industry would then help drive the local economy in the 19th century as young men traveled the world, pursuing whales for their oil and bones. Today, whales continue to attract New Yorkers, though no longer for hunting, but rather for whale watching. This presentation will explore how whaling has shaped New York’s maritime communities and culture.

Dr. Tara Rider is a lecturer at Stony Brook University in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences with a multidisciplinary background in history, marine studies, and sustainability.  Her research focuses on how landscape, gender, and race, are entwined with questions of power, culture, and identity. Join us to explore how whaling has shaped New York's maritime community and culture.

Please note this lecture is virtual and will be held on Zoom! Register below for the meeting ID and password.