ATTRACTIONS
Historic Homes & Buildings
Abijah Hathaway House (circa 1846)
66 North Second Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-991-6200
This beautiful historic home is a wonderful example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was very popular and fashionable during the mid to late Nineteenth Century. mapBenjamin Rodman Mansion (circa 1820)
50 North Second Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-991-6200
Built by Benjamin Rodman, a prominent New Bedford businessman and an influential member of the community, this Federal style mansion is also an example of the Quaker style that emphasizes simplicity, and was constructed of granite block with quoin corners. mapBourne Counting House (circa 1843)
One Merrill's Wharf • New Bedford, MA 02740
A room on the top floor of this beautiful and large granite building features panoramic views of the New Bedford Harbour; this building was built by whaling vessel master Captain Edward Merrill and has been used as the counting rooms of whaling merchant Jonathan Bourne, as well as a venue to make ship sails, so it is a structure invested with much history.Butler Flats Lighthouse (circa 1898)
New Bedford Outer Harbor • New Bedford, MA 02744
East Rodney French Boulevard
508-996-4095
The beacon from this historic lighthouse could be seen for over five miles as it provided navigational guidance to sailors returning home from the perils of the sea. more... mapFirst Baptist Church (circa 1829)
149 William Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-992-6343
This classical Greek and Federal style building has features including an imposing steeple and a ship-lad front façade; the steeple also served as a navigational aid for mariners returning to the harbour. mapGrinnell Mansion (circa 1831)
379 County Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-993-2621
Built by architect Russel Warren, with granite used from the same quarry as the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, this mansion was the first Greek Revival mansion built in New Bedford, and has many distinctive features, including full height pillars and a large portico; many famous visitors have been here, including Abraham Lincoln and John Quincy Adams. mapNew Bedford City Hall (circa 1856)
133 William Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-979-1400
The oldest operating elevator in the country, which was installed in 1906, is located inside of this neoclassical brick and brownstone building; both the city offices and the public library were once housed in this building that still operates as the seat of city government. more... mapRodman Candleworks (circa 1810)
72 North Water Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-1294
Originally built as a factory by Samuel Rodman, this building once housed one of the first spermaceti candle making operations in New Bedford; private offices and an upscale restaurant are now located in the renovated building. mapRotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (circa 1834)
396 County Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-1401
Designed by Richard Upjohn, the founder of the American Institute of Architects, this historic Greek Revival mansion was named after the three families that have occupied, and called home, the wonderful structure since it was first constructed; the house is also the only public historic whaling merchant's home on the East coast, and a variety of concerts and events is hosted during the summer. more... mapSaint Anthony of Padua Church (circa 1912)
1359 Acushnet Avenue • New Bedford, MA 02746
508-993-1691
One of the largest crosses in the world is featured in this French Renaissance church that was built from Springfield red stone; another prominent feature of the church is the two hundred fifty foot steeple, the tallest in New England. The beautiful statuary inside the church was carved by Joseph Castagnoli, a master sculptor from Italy. mapSeamen's Bethel (circa 1831)
15 Johnny Cake Hill • New Bedford, MA 02740
New Bedford Port Society
508-992-3295
Known as the "Whaleman's Chapel" in Herman Melville's classic novel "Moby Dick," this chapel features thirty black framed cenotaphs that bear the names of the whale men and fisherman who were lost at sea; the chapel is still used as a house of prayer. mapU.S. Custom House
37 North Second Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-994-5158
Designed by Robert Mills, who was the architect of the Washington Monument, this white granite Greek Revival building is the oldest continuously operating Custom House in the nation, with features including four large granite columns and a grand Classical portico. map
Historic Sites & Monuments
Colonel Claghorn Memorial
Waterfront Park
508-991-6200
Dedicated in 1936 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this monument commemorates Colonel George Claghorn, who was a Revolutionary war patriot, Naval Constructor, and master shipwright, and who owned a shipping operation on the waterfront during the late 1790's and early 1800's. mapHolocaust Memorial
Veterans Memorial Buttonwood Park • New Bedford, MA 02740
Rockdale Avenue & Maple Street
508-996-4095
Featuring a large bronze hand rising from an inscribed stone pedestal, this stark monument is a memorial to the millions of Jews and others who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust; the simple and powerful inscription reads "Murdered but Never Forgotten." mapLewis Temple Memorial
613 Pleasant Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
Outside the New Bedford Public Library
508-991-6275
This magnificent statue honours Lewis Temple, who was a blacksmith who revolutionized the whaling industry with his invention of an iron toggle harpoon tip in 1848. mapNew Bedford National Historic Landmark District
Lower Downtown New Bedford
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and reminiscent of the Nineteenth Century, this historic district features cobblestone streets, gas lamp style lighting, and a variety of Greek Revival architecture to be found in the many restaurants, shops, restored buildings, and businesses that populate the district. mapSchooner Ernestina
89 North Water Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
New Bedford State Pier
508-992-4900
The only remaining wooden sailing ship that brought immigrants to the US, this historic schooner was launched in 1894 and has served as a fishing schooner and a packet ship during her sailing years; now the historic ship is a rich and valuable resource for teaching of the history of such vessels and the lives they altered by providing educational programs, seminars, and other special events. more... mapWhaleman's Memorial (circa 1913)
613 Pleasant Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
Outside the New Bedford Public Library
508-991-6275
The inscription on this large bronze and granite statue reads "A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat;” the statue depicts a harpooner shown at the bow of a whaleboat, and pays tribute to the whale men who braved the capricious and powerful forces of nature to search for whales in the world's oceans. map
Libraries & Research Centers
New Bedford Public Library
613 Pleasant Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-991-6275
One of the largest collections of whaling log books in the world is housed at this library that also features the largest collection of historical and genealogical materials; historic plaques and photographs line the marble staircases of this library that was the second free public library established in the nation. more... map
Museums & Galleries
Frugal Woman's Museum, A
52 Union Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
888-55H-ETTY
This mini-museum features the largest collection of Hetty Green memorabilia and materials in the nation; Hetty Green was known as the "Witch of Wall Street," and was the richest woman in the world when she died in 1916. more... mapGallery Upstairs, The
204 Union Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-979-5888
Admission is free to this art gallery that regularly features monthly exhibitions of the works of local and regional artists that represent not only artists who are members of the gallery, but the works of other artists as well. mapGallery X
169 William Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-992-2675
This gallery is known for its “public hangings,” events in which the art of over thirty participating artists are hung in public spaces during festivals and events, thus making the real world a gallery in an event that blends conceptual art with the tangible visual artworks that are used in the events; a great variety of works by many artists in a wide range of media is presented at the gallery. mapJohn Magnan Studio
23 Centre Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
508-999-5051
With hours being listed as “by chance or by appointment,” this gallery features the work of sculptor John Magnon, who has been featured on the program Sunday Morning on CBS; the artist will take commissions, and does sculptures of various sizes, including some quite large pieces, and also offers installation art services more... mapMuseum of Madeiran Heritage
27 Hope Street • New Bedford, MA 02746
508-994-2573
This museum preserves art and artifacts of the Portuguese Island of Madeira, with exhibits that include photographs, carvings, colourful dance costumes, a three dimensional model of the island, and fine handmade embroidery, lace, and linens; a beautiful garden and patio is also on site for some pleasant relaxation. mapNew Bedford Art Museum
608 Pleasant Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-961-3072
New Bedford's rich and historic art collection is housed at this museum, as well as Nineteenth and Twentieth Century paintings by New Bedford and regional artists; the museum also hosts exhibits by local and international artists in a variety of media styles, and workshops and art classes are offered. more... mapNew Bedford Fire Museum
51 Bedford Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-992-2162
Located in an authentic fire station house that was built in 1867, this unique museum preserves the history of fire fighting techniques and equipment, while featuring restored vehicles, uniforms, antique records, historic fire equipment, and the firehouse’s original poles. mapNew Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-0046
"The largest museum in America devoted to the history of the American whaling industry and its greatest port," the New Bedford Whaling Museum brings to life the whaling era and the history of the local area through exhibits, publications and programs. The New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the most extensive collection of art, artifacts, and manuscripts relating to American whaling from the late 18th to the early 20th century. more... mapPegasus Artisans Gallery and Studio
65 William Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-999-6265
This gallery features the unique works of many area artists, artisans, and craftsmen. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. map
Parks, Gardens & Zoos
Brooklawn Park
Ashely Boulevard & Acushnet Avenue
508-991-6210
One of the major parks in New Bedford, this park offers baseball and softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a wading pool, an ice rink, and a children's playground. mapNew Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
33 William Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-4095
A variety of Greek Revival buildings and attractions are located in this thirteen block, twenty acre National Park that includes the Waterfront Park, Rotch-Jones-Duff House, the U.S. Custom House, the Wharfinger Building, and the National Historic Landmark District. more... mapPrince Henry the Navigator Park
Pope's Island • New Bedford, MA 02740
In the middle of New Bedford Harbor
508-993-1770
This park features a large granite and bronze statue of Prince Henry overlooking the New Bedford Harbour, and offers grassy areas for picnicking, a rocky shoreline, fishing charter boats, and a marina. mapVeterans Memorial Buttonwood Park and Zoo
425 Hawthorn Street • New Bedford, MA 02740
508-991-6175
This park and zoo is New Bedford's premier recreation centre, with features including over one hundred fifty animals representing over thirty five different species, including two rare Asian elephants; in addition, the park also features softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a pond with paddle boats, a flower garden, and children's activities. more... map
Tours & Cruises
Whaling City Launch Service
New Bedford Waterfront
508-269-5815
One may enjoy harbour and waterfront tours aboard a twenty six foot boat that is the actual vessel, legend has it, that took Herman Melville on a whaling cruise, which inspired him to write the classic “Moby Dick;” launch services and private charters are available. more... map
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