For centuries, Islanders from the Archipelago of Cape Verde have emigrated to these shores of Cape Cod as well as locations all over the world seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families. New England, and predominantly New Bedford, Cape and Islands have been second homes to thousands of Kriolus chasing the American Dream while escaping their drought-stricken homeland. In fact, whaling was once such a booming industry where many Cape Verdean men, women and children – as well as countless others - made such a good living in the city of New Bedford that it is now known as “The City That Lit the World.”  From deck hands and skilled harpooners, these hard-working immigrants were so well suited to the sea that many became owners and Captains of their own ships such as Captain Henrique Mendes and his historic rescue of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey which is now the Official Vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today we will explore the legacy of a few of our ancestors from the Cape Verde Islands who paved the way for us.