John Bullard will speak about his new memoir Hometown at the Woods Hole Public Library on Thursday, July 27, at 3:00 PM.
Serving three terms as mayor of New Bedford, John Bullard led an aggressive coalition of spirited men and women who helped make saving neighborhoods, culture, and the environment high priority. Later, John joined the Clinton administration to advance sustainable development nationwide and bring economic assistance to fishing families in New England, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. He also led SEA, teaching college students about the science and policies of the oceans. At NOAA, John managed all living marine resources in federal waters in the northeast to conclude his working career.
In this deeply moving and thoughtful memoir, John K. Bullard weaves a tale of a family legacy intertwined with the pitfalls and promise of New Bedford, a storied Massachusetts seaport whose past and future can be found in every small American city struggling to survive and thrive. Bullard explores the meaning of public service, greater good, personal responsibility, and the ties that bind people to their hometowns. He grapples with immigration, economics, race, poverty, politics but also our innermost conflicts and ambitions as we make our way in the world.
Bullard’s story—and his sense of hometown—as he rises from a local to federal leader becomes more sophisticated but never loses sight of the importance of extending a helping hand and giving back to the community. It acknowledges that community is nothing without family, friends, and yes, even rivals. Hometown is about what sends you into the world to seek your fortunes and what draws you home to complete your life.
The talk is open to the public and will be held in the Library’s lower level meeting room. Copies of Hometown will be available for sale at the talk.