Historical Activities
For the history enthusiast seeking a journey through time, New Bedford offers a captivating blend of maritime heritage, historic architecture, and cultural diversity. Take a journey through the Golden Age of Whaling, the Underground Railroad, the growth of the fishing industry, the textile boom, and arts and culture that developed alongside the city’s innovative industries. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your adventure.
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The Whalehouse
Book your stay in a historic New Bedford mansion. The Whalehouse, a grand Italianate built in 1855 was constructed by a wealthy whaling merchant, Henry Taber, who gave the house to his daughter. It took 3.5 years to build this beautiful Victorian home; it is three stories tall with a widow’s walk perched on top. It was Melville’s sister’s house, Catherine Melville Hoadley, in the 1860-70s, and it’s presumed this is where he used to stay while visiting her and her family. The home has been restored and beautifully maintained and is now available for guest stays, photoshoots, and film productions.
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Embark on your historical adventure at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to the history of the American whaling industry. Discover New Bedford’s prominence in the Golden Age of Whaling with exhibits showcasing harpoons, scrimshaw, and whale skeletons. Step aboard the Lagoda, the largest ship model in existence. Today, the museum serves as a critical learning institution for the heritage and culture of the region as well as the preservation of whales and our environment. Also an art enthusiast? You’re in for a treat with art exhibits from both the past and present with current artists responding to the city’s maritime and cultural heritage.
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
This unique institution functions as more than a museum dedicated to telling the history of the fishing industry in New Bedford; the center is also a living testimonial of the experiences of the individuals working on the waterfront and at sea today. As the number one fishing port by value and home port to more than 500 commercial scallopers and fishermen, chances are that you’ve tasted seafood hauled in, process, and shipped from New Bedford’s working waterfront and shoreside support businesses. Come learn about the people and processes that bring fresh sustainable seafood from boat to table.
Fort Taber/Fort Rodman and Military Museum
To learn about New Bedford’s military history, explore Fort Rodman at Fort Taber Park and the military museum described as “the biggest little military museum in the country” by former Mayor Scott Lang. Enjoy panoramic views of Buzzards Bay while viewing the fort from the outside. During the American Revolution Clark’s Point was first conceptualized as a defense site to protect the port. Construction of a permanent military installation began in the 1840s with the granite fort that stands to this day constructed in 1863 during the Civil War.
New Bedford’s Underground Railroad
New Bedford became a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad and home to many formerly enslaved people who escaped to find freedom in the North. June of 2023 marked the official opening of Abolition Row Park in the Abolition Row Historic District across from the Nathan and Polly Johnson House where Douglass spent his first years living as a freeman. The park includes a bronze sculpture of Douglass by artist Richard Blake that depicts Douglass in his thirties, the years he lived in the city. For more underground railroad sites explore the Black History Trail listed on the New Bedford Historical Society’s website.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Established by Congress in 1996, the park encompasses thirty-four acres dispersed over thirteen city blocks. The park tells the stories of whaling, the working waterfront, the Underground Railroad, women’s history, Black history, Native American history, the city’s art and culture and the influence of the Quaker community. Visit the Whaling National Historical Park Visitors Center to talk to a park ranger, pick up some guides, watch their short film about the city, and peruse their educational exhibits. Guided walking tours through the park are available throughout the warmer months.
Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum
Named for three prominent families who resided at the address, the house and gardens chronicle 150 years of economic and social life in the city. The gorgeous Greek Revival building is matched on the exterior by a meticulously kept garden featuring a formal boxwood rose parterre garden, a boxwood specimen garden, and a woodland area surrounding a 19th century wooden lattice pergola. Tour the museum and gardens and learn from knowledgeable docents and keep an eye on their calendar for special events.
Historic District and Cobblestone Streets
Stroll through New Bedford’s Historic District, where cobblestone streets transport you to a bygone era. Admire the well-preserved 19th-century architecture, with Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian-style homes lining the streets. Take in the charm of gas lamps, wrought-iron fences, and meticulously maintained gardens that add to the district’s timeless allure. To learn more about the city’s historic architecture take a guided walking tour with the New Bedford Preservation Society. Self-guided tours are also available through their website and the PocketSights App.
Antiques
A city with this much history is bound to be full of antique treasures. As you comb through the vast selections, you’ll find pieces of New Bedford’s history spanning centuries. New Bedford Antiques at the Cove located in The Kilburn Mill the South End offers 1.5 acres of antiques presented by various dealers with eclectic tastes. You’ll find Acushnet River Antiques inside the Grinnell Mill with over 100 dealers and 18,000 square feet to explore. Both shops offer historical memorabilia to explore as well as an inside peak at New Bedford’s textile manufacturing mills.
New Bedford Fire Museum
Visit the city’s oldest surviving fire station, built in 1867. The old Fire Station No. 4 is now a museum run by retired and active firefighters that houses a collection of equipment and memorabilia that tells the history of firefighting in New Bedford. The antique fire engines are a treat for children and adults alike and brought out for rides during holiday celebrations. You’ll find some unexpected treats in the museum in addition to firefighting memorabilia and friendly docents that will share their expansive knowledge of the city.
New Bedford Free Public Library
Established in 1852, the New Bedford Free Public Library is among the earliest free municipal libraries in the United States. The architecture alone is worth a visit, with a 3-story granite Greek Revival building with Doric columns and the famous Whaleman statue on the lawn. Ascend the marble staircase to the third floor to find a rotunda and mosaic tile floors as well as a rotating display of the library’s art collection, which includes paintings by Albert Bierstadt, William Bradford and John James Audubon among others.
James and Sarah Arnold Mansion
A Federal Style home with many renovations since its initial construction, this was the home of James and Sarah Arnold. Arnold was a successful businessman but remembered most importantly for his passion for agriculture and horticulture. He built extensive gardens on the property and opened them to the public, which was a rare gesture at the time. Upon his death a portion of his fortune formed the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard. Visit the New Bedford Museum of Glass located in the mansion to explore New Bedford’s history in glass manufacturing and see the décor at the museum, which was featured in Paul Giamatti’s 2023 film The Holdovers.
Seamen’s Bethel
Established in 1822, the bethel served as a spiritual haven for mariners to attend for solace before embarking on their dangerous journeys asea. The adjacent Mariner’s Home served as a refuge for sailors returning from voyages. Herman Melville attended the bethel while in the city in 1840, inspiring the famous sermon delivered in a bow-shaped pulpit by the character of Father Mapple in Moby-Dick (1851).
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