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.

It’s Back!

Historic Homeowner Workshop Series on November 19 at 5:30 PM

Join the conversation about Insurance for older and historic homes.

Now Accepting Applications

Affordable Rental Opportunity at the Firehouse, 109 Hillman Street

Click here to learn more about the units, application process and attend an important information session on November 3 at 5 pm.

Current Projects

Past Projects

Community Impact

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% ...

Soundings: Summer 2025

August 18, 2025

Our latest edition of “Soundings” is out! Check out updates on a summer full of events, project updates and new additions to WHALE!. Click here ...