Women in Whaling

Women played a significant role in the whaling industry, on land and at sea. While their husbands were away for extended periods of time, women were responsible for managing their households, raising their children and tending to many aspects of the business of whaling such as managing account books, negotiating contracts and overseeing supply chains. Some became entrepreneurs opening their own businesses, and others became teachers and nurses. The whaling industry changed the ways in which women acquired economic and social power. Whaling wives broke social norms of the 19th century by being both the head of the household and also, in some instances, joining their husbands at sea.

By the mid-19th century the whale population was declining and voyages grew longer. Whaling captains were eventually allowed to bring their wives and families on long voyages. By 1853, there was a captain’s wife on board one in five whaleships from New England. A whaleship with a wife on board was often called a “hen frigate.” Women attended to their husbands and the crew by doing laundry, cooking, sewing and writing, but the only whaling task that women were allowed to do was to call out “There she blows!”

In recent years there is increased interest in the lives and contributions of women in whaling and we are proud to be partnered with the Hendrick Hudson Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Their exhibition focuses on Women in Whaling and contains information researched by Richard Bazelow and members of the chapter.