PEABODY — On Feb. 27, historian and journalist Skip Finley will present a lecture at the Historical Society on the first American industry that exhibited diversity ― whaling.
Finley, the author of “Whaling Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy,” has studied hundreds of books, theses, and archival records at whaling museums, in libraries and private archives, to uncover dozens of stories from the lives of whaling captains of color.
“I thought it was really interesting to bring him to Peabody because we’re so connected to the maritime economy,” said Nora Bigelow, assistant curator at Peabody Historical Society & Museum.
Since Peabody once was part of Salem, Bigelow said ― and Salem had more than 8,000 voyages done out of its harbor in the heyday ― the lecture will give the audience an interesting perspective on how racial dynamics among whalers at sea were very different than on the mainland.
“I don’t think modern-day folks (know), and I certainly wasn’t as aware of it until I read Skip’s book,” said Bigelow.
Whaling was the first integrated American industry, with an amazingly high proportion of men of color.
“Because it was such difficult work, if you were the best person on the ship, it did not matter your color,” said Bigelow.
A man would become a captain not because he was white or well-connected, but because he knew how to kill a whale. The industry also gave people of color an opportunity to learn navigation and how to read and write.
Whaling created a wealth of astronomical proportions that materialized in magnificent historical houses of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, New Bedford and elsewhere in New England. Whaling revenues were invested into land trusts, roads, hotels, docks, businesses, homes, churches, parks, railroads and the textile industry. Millions of whales died in the 200-plus-year enterprise, with more than 2,700 ships built for chasing, killing and processing them.
“I think our audience will be really interested,” said Bigelow. “ Finley is a very dynamic speaker.”
Finley is a retired broadcaster, writer and historian. He built his career in radio, becoming a well-known executive and station owner, managing 44 radio stations which served 18 markets.
Finley has lived on Martha’s Vineyard since 1999. He is a part of Atlantic Black Box, a public-history project that encourages and empowers New England communities to research and reckon with the region’s complicity in the slave trade and extensive involvement in the global economy of enslavement.
The lecture will take place on Sunday, Feb. 27, at Smith Barn at 38 Felton St. This program is supported by a grant from Peabody Cultural Council, which is a part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Alena Kuzub can be reached at [email protected].
