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

Please Join Us

Tuesday, September 26, 5:00pm Reception, 5:30 Reading

Co-Sponsored by WHALE and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

 

“Hometown”: Author’s Talk & Book Signing

With John K. Bullard

Under the Tent at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

396 County Street, New Bedford

 

Hear from the author as he reads from his new memoir. Published by New

Bedford’s Spinner Publications Inc., “Hometown” chronicles John Bullard’s

youth, family, and 50-year career in public service, from historic

preservationist and New Bedford mayor to climate activist and federal

administrator for NOAA. Bullard will read excerpts that relate to the early

history of WHALE and the RJD, one of WHALE’s earliest restoration projects.

Facilitated discussion and a question & answer period will follow.

Arrive early to the tented patio for refreshments.

Books will be available for purchase ($34 + tax) and signing at the event.

Call or email to R.S.V.P. 508-997-1401 / HFortin@rjdmuseum.org. Free

WHALE is very pleased to announce that Erin Miranda will join WHALE as next Executive Director beginning August 7, 2023.

Erin Miranda’s experience in historic preservation and non-profits spans nearly two decades. Her career began with college internships and work with the Providence Preservation Society Revolving Fund and even volunteering for WHALE. From 2004 on, she worked with Preservation Massachusetts, building programs including the Preservation Circuit Rider program, as well as policy advocacy, especially with state and federal tax credits. She most recently served as their Executive Director. A lifelong resident of the South Coast with family ties to the City of New Bedford, Erin holds a BS in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University.

 

WHALE’s members and supporters throughout greater New Bedford will have opportunities later this year to meet Erin in person. Meanwhile, feel free to reach Erin at WHALE to welcome her to our vibrant and vital community of people committed to preserving and enhancing New Bedford‘s rich architectural character and to strengthening New Bedford’s waterfront area, neighborhoods and communities.

Current Projects

Past Projects

Community Impact

Breaking Ground This Year

In 2023, WHALE will begin construction on THREE new projects. This is incredibly exciting for us since we’ve been working on these projects for years.

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Places that Matter: New Bedford

Places that Matter: New Bedford project will identify and map places that are historically and culturally important, and we need to learn what places matter to you.

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Some Projects Return

It’s hard to describe the conditon of the Zeiterion Theater when WHALE undertook it’s restoration in 1981. After years of neglect, it was derelict, decrepit, and in shambles. Demolition was likely.

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Year End Appeal

2022 Annual Appeal – Make Your Gift Today!

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Hillman Firehouse – Press Release

WHALE is honored to receive a $1.05 million grant from City of New Bedford’s Housing Expansion Initiative, announced April 1, 2022.

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Upcoming Community Conversation on WHALE’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program

The Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) is hosting a virtual community conversation on our Neighborhood Revitalization Program for community stakeholders.

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