Home - Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE)

Preserving the Past

Restoring New Bedford's Architectural Treasures

Building the Future

Economic growth for local businesses

Fostering Community

Adapting historical buildings as neighborhood housing

Strengthening Arts & Culture

Restoring architectural gems as venues for arts and culture

Create a stronger, more prosperous city that understands its past and has hope for its future.

Holiday House Tour

December 13, 12 – 4 pm

Step inside New Bedford’s history this holiday season and start a new tradition with WHALE. Tickets on sale now!

Living the Old House Dream

October 14, November 4 and November 18

Join us a free series celebrating the owners, stewards, and storytellers behind New Bedford’s older and historic homes. Click for details.

Current Projects

Past Projects

Community Impact

Why We’re Speaking Up for Section 106… And Why You Should Too.

August 20, 2026

Why We’re Speaking Up for Section 106… And Why You Should Too Most people have never heard of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation ...

A Retrospective: 2025-2026

June 29, 2026

A look back at the past twelve months of preservation, programs and partnership for WHALE! Encompassing June 2025 through June 2026, this Executive Director report ...

2026 Annual Report

June 15, 2026

WHALE is pleased to share our 2026 Annual Report. This report looks back at the last twelve months, charting our impact and progress along the ...

Open-Door Loan Program

April 30, 2026

Introducing: The Open-Door Revolving Loan Program For years, one of the most common questions we’ve heard from homeowners is: “Is there money to restore my home?” ...

Show Me The Money!

April 2, 2026

On March 31, WHALE held our fourth Historic Homeowner Workshop with a Zoom titled “Show Me The Money: Funding for Historic Homeowners”. The presentation ...

The Spring Fling!

March 23, 2026

Spring Fling is WHALE’s spring cocktail party at the historic Steeple Playhouse—an evening that brings the community together to celebrate preservation in a fun, ...