The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor unveiled an exciting new addition this past weekend – a massive, life-sized inflatable sperm whale. At 45 feet long and the only one of its kind, the whale drew crowds for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Chief of Staff to Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth Michelle McCarthy, Museum Board Members and local supporters.
The inflatable whale, designed in collaboration with marine educators and custom fabricated with funding from the Gardiner Foundation and the Long Island Library Resource Council, was created as a traveling teaching tool. Visitors are able to step inside the giant whale to explore its organs and anatomy while learning fascinating facts about sperm whales – from their ability to dive nearly 9,000 feet in search of squid to their extraordinary capacity to hold their breath for 90 minutes.
The Great Whale Takeover! event led guests to explore every inch of the Whaling Museum and Education Center’s property with entertaining and interesting activities for all ages at every turn. Craft tables throughout the Museum’s permanent exhibits invited guests to make giant squid, whale, turtle and octopus sea creatures. Nomi Dayan, the Museum’s Executive Director, led a presentation with “Fun Facts” about whales throughout the afternoon. The Scrimshaw Artisan – and Museum Board Member – Mark Green was fascinating to speak to, sharing how he traded one carved whale’s tooth for 4 or 5 larger teeth from a New York City business on the docks over 50 years ago while in art school at Pratt Institute. The 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the sale and transport of marine mammal products.
Harpoon Throwing (pool noodle) for “blubber” (container of slime) was outside behind the Museum where a Museum Educator held an authentic whaling harpoon for guests to feel and hold. The Boat Racing tent next door had guests building custom boats with pool noodle pieces, popsicle sticks, and foam shapes that they could race in 2 lanes of an inflatable pool. Yes, Diane’s boat crushed June’s for well-earned bragging rights.
The museum is inviting the public to help name The Great Whale, with a $10 donation per suggestion. Proceeds will support bringing the inflatable whale to schools, libraries, and community events across Long Island. A dedicated transport vehicle is also needed, as the 300-pound structure requires special handling.
Adding to the educational experience, the inflatable whale was designed with realistic scars – including marks from entanglement and propeller strikes – to highlight both natural features and human impacts on whale populations. The initiative connects directly to the region’s history, as Cold Spring Harbor was once a hub of Yankee whaling in the 1800s.
Museum staff emphasized that this is just the beginning. Plans are underway to eventually bring a real whale skeleton of similar size to the museum as part of a larger expansion project, continuing its mission to serve as a center of education, history, and community engagement.
The inflatable whale will also appear at upcoming events, including Oysterfest (weather permitting). Until then, visitors are welcome to experience this unique exhibit and cast their votes for naming Long Island’s newest “citizen of the sea.”
Photography by Diane Schaber and June Margolin, Videography by June Margolin.
