In 1980, the Descendants of Whaling Masters published a volume of previously uncollected correspondence of the whaling era entitled "My Dear Husband." The book was compiled and edited by DWM member and UMASS Dartmouth professor Genevieve Darden. A poignant collection of letters written between whalemen and their wives, whaling masters and merchants, and fathers to children, the book was enthusiastically received and has been out of print for many years.

In 1999, DWM approached New Bedford, Massachusetts, actor Ray Veary to see if the material in "My Dear Husband" might be adapted for a staged reading. The result was a script which he adapted from the book and which he has performed in the Southeastern Massachusetts area with local actor Lucy Bly.

When Ray and Lucy performed their first dramatic reading of excerpts from "My Dear Husband" at DWM's annual meeting, the program was so successful it soon became apparent that there was a demand for a reprint of the book.

In the fall of 2002, under the leadership and inspiration of then DWM chairperson, Susan Grace Taber, and a committee comprised of Catherine and William "Bud" H. Potter, Jr. and Christine Davis and with the blessing of the DWM executive board, the "Whaling Letters" reprint project was launched with the new title suggested by Ray Veary.

My Dear Husband, a collection of poignant letters between whalemen and their wives, was published for the first time in 1980. It was compiled and edited by Genevieve Darden, a member of Descendants of Whaling Masters and a former English professor. At the time of publication, Professor Darden spoke of the vitality and immediacy contained in this correspondence - written, as she commented "in the very midst of experience."

Through these letters we are introduced to the common themes, at home and abroad, which were part of every whaling voyage: loneliness, separation, hardship, and endurance. They are also an important window on the history of their time, referencing national and world events.  And they include wonderfully descriptive passages that speak to life aboard ship, the business of whaling, and far-away ports of call that were frequented by nineteenth century whalers.

The Descendants of Whaling Masters is to be commended for reprinting a book that has an enduring importance for scholars, historians, and whaling enthusiasts from around the world.

~ Anne B. Brengle
Former President, New Bedford Whaling Museum