The mission of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society - New Bedford Whaling Museum is to educate and interest all the public in:

The historic interaction of humans with whales worldwide
The history of Old Dartmouth and adjacent communities
Regional maritime activities
To accomplish this mission, the Society shall:

Collect, preserve, and interpret the artifacts and documentary evidence of these endeavors

Maintain a whaling, maritime, and local history museum

Maintain a research library

Promote and disseminate historical research

Accept and hold historic sites, where appropriate