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.

YOU Are the Preservationists!

2025 Annual Appeal

See all the ways you save, restore and revitalize the places and spaces that make New Bedford special and unique through WHALE. Thank you for giving today!

Follow Along the Project

Hillman Street Firehouse

See the progress being made at 109 Hillman Street and the conversion of this historic firehouse and civil defense headquarters into 8 units of housing.

Current Projects

Past Projects

Community Impact

Invitation For Bids: Phase 2 of the CVA Cultural Center

November 14, 2025

Notice of Public Invitation to Bid: Phase 2 of the CVANB Cultural Center: The Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford, Inc. (CVANB) aims to strengthen ...

YOU Are The Preservationist! 2025 Annual Appeal

November 7, 2025

Through WHALE, you restore buildings, you create housing. You revitalize the places that make New Bedford unique. Your support brings history back to life and ...

The Firehouse – Now Accepting Rental Applications!

October 29, 2025

The Firehouse in New Bedford (109 Hillman Street) is now accepting rental applications for four 1BR units and four 2BR units. AVAILABLE PARTICULARS AMI RENT ...

It’s Back! Historic Homeowner Workshop Series

October 24, 2025

WHALE is excited to bring back our Historic Homeowner Workshop Series on November 19 with a conversation about insurance for historic and older homeowners. Insurance ...

A WHALE of a Success!

October 8, 2025

The WHALE auction at the Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival on October 5 was a success! After nearly 10 years, we were excited to bring ...

A WHALE of a Time to Bid!

September 22, 2025

When you bid on items the unique items at WHALE’s 2025 auction, you are supporting our preservation and community development mission throughout New Bedford. 100% ...