Since 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and its partners have worked to tell the story of the city’s leading role in the global whaling industry, cultural diversification, and social justice activities. The city rose to be the preeminent whaling port in the world in the mid-19^th century. Immigrants made their way to its shores on ships creating a multicultural community, which tolerated people of diverse backgrounds and histories. The city provided safe harbor to fugitive slaves and offered them gainful work. The park preserves and shares the legacy of whaling and cultural diversity by providing talks and tours, community activities, artists-in-residence, and school programs.