30th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon

Each January, readers and Melville enthusiasts from around the globe gather in New Bedford-the very port where Melville himself once set sail-to take part in a 25-hour, cover-to-cover reading of Moby-Dick.

This extraordinary event transforms the Museum into a stage for literature, history, and community. Visitors can immerse themselves in Melville-inspired programs, including thought-provoking conversations with scholars, dramatic performances, hands-on activities for all ages, and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring Melville’s world vividly to life.

The Marathon commemorates Melville’s 1841 departure aboard the whaleship Acushnet-the journey that would inspire one of America’s greatest novels. Thirty years on, the celebration continues to grow, uniting generations of readers, performers, and maritime enthusiasts in a shared quest for the elusive white whale.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026

9:30 AM – Stump the Scholars | Cook Memorial Theater (Lower Level)
Submit your questions to Melville experts and try to stump them. Hosted by Marina Wells. Special pins for successful stumpers.

11:25 AM – Moby-Dick Extracts | A Whaling Voyage Around the World / Bourne Building (Main Level)
Melville Society scholars read selected passages. VIP readers seated near the podium.

12:00 Noon – Start of the 25-Hour Marathon | A Whaling Voyage Around the World / Bourne Building (Main Level)
Begins at the stern of the Lagoda with “Call me Ishmael.” Guest readers continue through Chapter 6.

1:30 PM – Father Mapple’s Sermon | Seamen’s Bethel and Harbor View Gallery (Upper Level)
Wristband required for in-person seating. Wristbands are assigned via lottery system; click button below to add your name to the drawing. Livestream available in the Gallery. Hymn sheets provided with “The Ribs and Terrors in the Whale.”

1:30 PM – Portuguese Mini-Marathon | Cook Memorial Theater (Lower Level)
Forty-eight readers perform a Portuguese adaptation by Tiago Patricio. Doors open at 1:30 PM; reading 2:00–6:00 PM. Celebration follows in Jacobs Family Gallery.

2:10 PM – Main Marathon Continues | Harbor View Gallery (Upper Level)

Marathon resumes after Bethel reading and continues through the evening.

2:30 PM – Chat with Melville Scholars | Research Library (Main Level)
Informal discussion with scholars in a roundtable setting.

3:00–6:00 PM – Make Your Mark | Classroom (Main Level)
Craft your own bookmark (drop-in self-guided activity). Supplies available while they last.

4:00-5:00 PM – Meet and Greet Drop-in Session with Heidi Whitman | Center Street Gallery (Main Level)
Meet the artist behind Ahab’s Head: American Vengeance, An installation, Heidi Whitman and reflect on Ahab’s obsession in Moby-Dick, and ties to American violence and public discourse.

6:30 PM – Cousin Hosea’s Chowder Hall and Decanter Taproom | Whales Today / Jacobs Family Gallery (Lower Level)
Warm up with complimentary chowder or explore local food vendors (while supplies last).

7:30 PM – Midnight on the Forecastle (Chapter 40) | Cook Memorial Theater (Lower Level)
Live performance by Culture*Park. NEW THIS YEAR: Seats will be assigned by lottery, like Seamen’s Bethel lottery, due to high demand and limited seating capacity.

8:00 PM – Start of Overnight Marathon Reading | Cook Memorial Theater (Lower Level)

NEW THIS YEAR: overnight slots will be in 5-minute slots (as are the daytime slots) to accommodate additional readers.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026

8:00 AM – The 20th-Hour Treat | Whales Today / Jacobs Family Gallery (Lower Level)
Complimentary coffee and malassadas while, supplies last. Additional food will be available for purchase.

8:00 AM – Marathon Relocates | Harbor View Gallery (Upper Level)
Final leg of the Marathon until approximately 1:00 PM.

9:30 AM – Chat with Melville Scholars | Research Library (Main Level)
Another opportunity for open conversation with scholars.

1:00 PM – Marathon Concludes | Harbor View Gallery (Upper Level)
Museum remains open to the public until 4:00 PM.

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