New Bedford Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum sits at the center of a National Historical Park built around the story of American whaling. Its galleries hold whale skeletons, ship models, and one of the world’s largest collections of maritime artifacts, drawing visitors into a history that shaped a city and an industry. As the museum evolved, its wayfinding needed to evolve with it.

RSM Design updated the museum’s wayfinding system to reflect that growth, giving visitors a clearer path through the galleries while preserving the character of the historic buildings that house them. Alongside this update, RSM Design developed a donor recognition program that honors the individuals who made the museum’s expansion possible. Navigation and philanthropy work as a single system, helping every gift and every gallery find its place within the visitor’s journey.

Donor recognition honoring generosity toward maritime heritage & education