The Mystic Seaport Museum's new exhibition, 'Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact,' explores the deep connection between America's whaling industry and its rise in capitalism. Displaying artifacts like photographs, whaling tools, and sperm whale remains, the exhibition reveals how this industry not only provided essential products such as oil and candles but also served as an example of the country's long-standing reliance on oil. Curator Debra Schmidt Bach frames whaling as indicative of America's issues with resource exploitation, showcasing both the destructive impact on whale populations and the quest for economic resources.
The Mystic Seaport Museum's 'Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact' exhibition showcases artifacts highlighting America's intertwined history of whaling and industrial capitalism.
This exhibition presents an industry that lit America's lamps and greased its machines for over a century, with objects like the giant sperm whale jawbone.
Debra Schmidt Bach describes whaling as Americans' history with an addiction to oil, illustrating the long-term ramifications of this once-thriving industry.
Whaling is portrayed not only as a historical practice but also as an example of mankind's exploitation of natural resources for commercial gain.
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