The bygone era of American whaling led men on distant voyages in search of the giants of the sea. In spare time, these whalers carved the teeth, bone and other unused parts of the whale, developing a tradition that came to be called scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw: The Art and Craft of the American Whaler is a comprehensive exhibit of whale teeth and bone carved with images of Victorian ladies, renowned female pirates and scenes from the sea, tools made for mending clothes and ship sails, games made to pass the time, gifts and toys made for loved ones, and a variety of personal items – all authentic sailors' work from a the golden age of American Whaling.