ACUSHNET – The Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS) recently hosted its annual Scholarship Dinner to a full house at the Century House in Acushnet.
In his remarks, the Consul of Portugal in New Bedford Tiago Sousa spoke about the cultural and family ties that continue to connect New Bedford and the Azores.
This year, the Society plans to award seven scholarships to local students, totaling $9,500.
The Pico, Faial, and Bela Vista scholarships ($1,500 each) are named after each of the society’s whaleboats.
The Dr. Mary T. Vermette Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) honors the AMHS founder and her dedication to keeping the shared U.S.-Azores maritime heritage alive.
The Diamantino Fidalgo Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded preferably to a student who plans to pursue maritime studies.
A Memorial Scholarship for Arminda C.N.S. da Silva ($1,000) and a Scholarship in Memory of José Pacheco Branco and Clotilde da Rosa Branco ($1,000) will also be awarded.
Scholarship applications are due April 1and can be downloaded from the Society’s website at www.azoreanmaritime.org.
The fundraising event held on March 1 also served to recognize AMHS longtime secretary Susan Curado with the Volunteer of the Year Award.
In addition to being an active volunteer, Curado is a member of this year’s AMHS Women’s Sailing Team for the International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta to be held in July in Faial, Azores.
Headquartered at the new Casa Dos Botes on Belleville Avenue in New Bedford, the AMHS is welcoming community members to enjoy a free row or sail session on their whaleboats in Clarks Cove this summer. No experience is necessary. For more information, visit the Society’s website.

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