Agency Details:

Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum

MISSION OF THE ROTCH-JONES-DUFF HOUSE & GARDEN MUSEUM IS THREEFOLD:
To preserve one of the nation's finest Greek Revival mansions and its historic grounds and gardens to the highest standard;
To acquire and care for appropriate artifacts, furnishings and period collections; To interest and educate the public through exhibits and interpretive historical and horticultural programs that document the history of New Bedford and important chapters in American history through the lives of the three families who lived in the house.

Description:
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum is a Greek Revival mansion built for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. in 1834. Designed by Richard Upjohn, it is the only New England whaling-era mansion on its original grounds, open to the public.

The period rooms and exhibits in the Museum chronicle the social, economic and political evolution of the city, through the families who lived and worked at the House. The property is a National Landmark and a partner in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

The Museum is open daily for tours. It offers more than 50 programs throughout the year, including student educational programs and lectures and workshops on history, decorative arts, horticulture and related themes.

History:
Built in 1834, for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. this Greek Revival mansion located on a full city block of formal gardens, is the best example of the "brave houses and flowery gardens" described by Herman Melville in Moby Dick.

Contact people:

Patti Donovan, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Kate Corkum, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (508) 997-6846

Address:

396 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.rjdmuseum.org

Directions:

DIRECTIONS: FROM THE PROVIDENCE AREA AND POINTS SOUTH: Take 195 east to Exit 15. Go straight through 1 set of traffic lights. At next set of Traffic Lights Take Right onto UNION STREET. Go through 3 sets of traffic. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: New Bedford Transit, 10 minute walk

Last updated on March 26, 2009