New Herman Melville Statue in New Bedford Is 'Hot,' Says Globe Columnist

A new 7.5-foot bronze statue of Herman Melville, created by sculptor Stefanie Rocknak, will be unveiled outside the Seamen's Bethel in New Bedford, Massachusetts, during the Melville in Our Seaport Weekend, August 13-16, 2026. The statue depicts Melville with a wind-swept beard, standing within the ribs of a whale, and has been noted for its rugged attractiveness. Rocknak, chosen by the City of New Bedford from a pool of artists, acknowledged that her depiction is intentionally handsome, noting Melville was meticulous about his appearance. The statue sits on an 18-inch thick granite base from Maine. Amanda McMullen, president of the Whaling Museum, praised the statue's vibrancy and dynamic quality, and highlighted Melville's appreciation for diverse cultures, as reflected in his writing. The unveiling is part of a weekend of events, including a reading of Chapter 9 of 'Moby-Dick' by actor Sam Waterston on Friday, August 14, at 11 a.m. at Seaman's Bethel. The column also mentions Melville's love letters to Nathaniel Hawthorne and a possible affair in the Berkshires, as detailed in Michael Shelden's book 'Melville in Love.' The statue has sparked interest in a potential Melville biopic, with McMullen suggesting actor Steven Weber, who read at a previous marathon, as a candidate, though the columnist notes Weber's age may not fit the desired mid-30s portrayal.