"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came fro...
The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza, located in New Bedford’s historic district, honors one of the first African American regiments in the Union Army. Situated on the site of the former Tobey & Coggeshall Building, where Company C was recruited, the plaza features engraved bricks commemorating the soldiers. Adjacent to the U.S. Custom House, it reflects New Bedford’s role in the Civil War and the fight for civil rights.
You are looking at the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza. The foreground features a wide stone pathway that leads directly to a large pergola structure made of white columns and cross beams. The pergola has a flat roof, with the name 'Fifty-Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Plaza' prominently displayed along the top beam. The columns are arranged in a rectangular pattern, providing a sense of symmetry and openness to the plaza. Surrounding the pergola, there are low stone walls and patches of green grass, with trees scattered throughout the area, their bare branches indicating that the season is likely late fall or early winter. Behind the pergola, you can see buildings with red brick facades, adding a historic touch to the background of the scene. The plaza itself has an inviting and open feel, with clear walking paths and a sense of peacefulness. The space is a reflective area meant to honor the soldiers of the 54th Regiment, offering visitors a place to pause and consider the legacy of these brave men.
The Double Bank Building in New Bedford, built in 1831, is a Greek Revival structure with eight Ionic columns. Designed to house Mechanics Bank and Merchants Bank, it served both craftsmen and business owners during the city’s whaling boom. Located on North Water Street, it symbolizes New Bedford’s 19th-century economic heritage and is now part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
As you approach the Double Bank Building, you see a grand Greek Revival structure, instantly recognizable by its imposing facade. Eight tall, white Ionic columns dominate the front, supporting a triangular pediment above. The columns stand on a slightly elevated stone platform, which you can reach by a series of steps leading up to the main entrance. The building's front is symmetrically divided by the columns, which give it a stately, temple-like appearance that reflects its historical importance as a financial hub in 19th-century New Bedford. Above the columns, within the pediment, golden lettering spells out 'J.J. Best Banc & Co.' The building sits on a cobblestone street, adding to the historic charm of the area.
The Mariners’ Home was opened for its present use as a home for transient mariners in 1857. Originally built as a private mansion in 1787, the building was later donated to the New Bedford Port Society and moved to its present location.
Standing on the narrow bluestone sidewalk facing the east elevation of the Seamen’s Bethel, you will observe a 3-story five-bay Federal style residence with a clapboard front on the east elevation, shingles on the west elevation, and brick on the north and south elevations. The main entry on Johnny Cake Hill is a 2018 addition built between the Seamen’s Bethel and the Mariners’ Home providing an accessible entry to the public. The new entry is glass with a centered door between the Bethel and the Mariners’ Home. Behind the building is a parking lot for the site. Inside the Mariners’ Home are commercial offices for several local nonprofit organizations
The Nathan and Polly Johnson House is a location important to the history of the Underground Railroad. Mentioned in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Nathan and Polly Johnson provided the first free home to Frederick and Anna Douglass. A designated site on the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, it became a National Historic Landmark in 2000 and, was added to the Network to Freedom in 2001.
The address of this building is 21 Seventh Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 02740 and it is about 15 minutes' walk from the visitor center. Sturdy walking shoes is recommended. From the visitor center main entrance, head towards Union Street from Second Street on your right. Take Right on Union Street and stay on it until Seventh Street. It is about five city block and then, take a left on Seventh Street. The house should be on the right-hand side after Spring Street and a yellow house. On your left, is the new Abolitionist Row Park. The primary entrance is housed within a 1-by-1 bay, hip-roof entrance porch in the north bay that consist of a glass door flanked by full sidelight. The vestibule features recessed panel pilasters, dentils, and fixed-glass windows and is accessed via eight wood stairs with simple wood rails. The structural system is wood frame on a stone foundation with brick facing. The exterior wall fabric is wood shingle, and the roof sheathing is asphalt. There is no wheelchair accessible. Other notable exterior features include, on the right, a landmark historical marker, about two feet high black iron fence, and a nice, maintained flower garden.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a world-renowned museum that brings to life the rich history of the whaling industry and New Bedford. Located in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
The address of this building is 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, but the entry is on the corner of William Street and Johnny Cake Hill. Walking to the building you would walk across blue stone pathways that tend to be uneven in certain locations, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. When entering the plaza of the Whaling Museum, you will have a 2-foot stone wall on the right side that is sometimes used as a seating area. During the summer on the right side will be a tall statue and a few feet from that will a smaller statue of a spermaceti whale. This whale is also located on the right side of the gift shop outdoor entrance. The left side is an open area the leads to William Street with an orientation panel of the park map. The middle contains the main entrance with an overhang that has a giant orange squid that’s tentacles reach across to the lettering that says Whaling Museum. Walking closure to the entrance there it large glass doors and with long silver pull handles attached, on the right side is the wheelchair accessible button the automatically open the doors. There are two sets of glass doors to enter through with the same handle fixtures. On the entrance level of the Whaling Museum are the Cook Memorial Theater, the Jacobs Family Gallery, the Wattles Family Gallery, the Museum store, coatroom and restrooms. The first stop inside the building is the 250-seat Cook Memorial Theater, where museum events are held. Next door is the Jacobs Family Gallery which has the skeletons of a blue whale (66-foot), humpback whale (37-foot), and North Atlantic right whale mother (49-foot) and unborn calf. In addition, there is a life-size model of a whale heart in the gallery. Continuing from this gallery are museum exhibits highlighting how whaling impacted New Bedford culture with the influx of rich into the community. The main level of the Whaling Museum houses the Braitmayer Family Gallery, the Centre Street Gallery, the Scrimshaw collection, the Gratia Houghton Rinehart Gallery, the Energy and Enterprise exhibit, Old Dartmouth History exhibit, the Pursuit to Preservation exhibit, and the ½ scale whaling boat Lagoda. The upper level of the Whaling Museum houses the Azorean Whaleman Gallery, the Cape Verdean Maritime Exhibit, and the San Francisco Room.
Located at 33 William Street, the Visitor Center provides the National Park Service visitor with an introduction to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Brochures, maps, exhibits and an introductory film are available as well as a small gift shop, rest rooms, Ranger programs, an Artist-in-Residence program, and information on the Park’s partners.
The Greek Revival brownstone and brick building anchors the corner of William and North Second Streets. A granite fence and foundation raise the building above street level. Granite steps lead past a brownstone balustrade, level with the first story wood framed glass doors. Tall windows, 2 panes wide and 4 panes high peer out from behind the balustrade on either side of the entrance. A gable end triangular pediment of carved brownstone rises above the central doors and transom. The smooth embedded frieze announces: “The Third District Court of Bristol.” On the right side of the building between 2 granite pillars is a brick walkway which leads to a ramp, providing handicapped access to the main building. This walkway also leads to a pleasant garden area nestled between the main visitor center and the Corson Maritime Learning Center. A contemporary glass and stone link housing rest rooms, water filling station and exhibits connects the two structures. Ornamental shrubs, seasonal flowers, herbs, and greenery make this a favorite spot for concerts, ranger programs, and living history demonstrations. The East side of the garden borders the Corson Maritime Learning Center that houses a 55-seat theater, Makerspace, and offices. The 3-story brick Corson complex built in 1875-1884 was extensively renovated after a fire in 1997, but the variety of window shapes and Victorian adornments have been preserved. Architects refer to the unusual combination of these elements as the “whimsey” of Victorian Times. Older residents' smirk that it was simply a practical way for the previous establishment to showcase the building materials it sold! Inside the Visitor Center are several exhibition areas. Entering the front doors is like stepping inside a 19th century commercial space with a whaling boat replica in the center. The walls are painted yellow ochre and the tall windows are decorated with wood graining. The barrel-vaulted ceiling has multiple coffers painted gray and ochre and trimmed with gold leaf paint. Between the ceiling and wall is a highly decorated cornice bank with egg and dart/lambs tongue beading and dentils, all painted in gold leaf. Around the room are exhibits telling the story of whaling and its impact on New Bedford and the globe. Leaving the Main Bank room, the next room is the Communities of Whaling exhibit, which focuses on the history of the people of color in whaling and how they got to New Bedford. These communities include Wampanoag people, formerly enslaved men and women who came to New Bedford in search of freedom, immigrants from Portugal, Cape Verde, and the Caribbean. There are exhibit stations with interviews with a whaler who still lived in the 1990s and the Behind the Mansions exhibit, which maps the residences of people of color in New Bedford. Leaving the Communities of Whaling Exhibit, the halls have panels describing the economics and history of whaling, as well and a flag display showing the flags of the New Bedford whaling merchants, whose vessels traveled the globe. This hall goes from the Visitor Center through the link where you can find the public restrooms, a 1851 map showing the migration of whales across the globe, and a life-size scale wall sculpture depicting a whale tail. Continuing past the restrooms to the 55-seat theater where the park film is screened, and special events are held. To the right is the exit and the Preservation Exhibit, which highlights the story of preservation in New Bedford. Should you take the elevator to the second floor, you will then be in the MakerSpace, an exhibit space dedicated to the park Artist-in-Residence program. In addition, the space is used as a multipurpose space for events, has additional exhibits on New Bedford history, and a reading nook for the park storyteller program and families.
Built around 1815 by Samuel Rodman Sr., Rodman Candleworks is a historic Federal-style building that once produced high-quality spermaceti candles from sperm whale oil. These luxury candles symbolized New Bedford’s status as “The City That Lit the World.” While it now operates as a private business, the building remains a testament to the city’s economic prosperity and the significant role of the whaling industry in early American history.
You are now looking at the Rodman Candleworks, a historic, Federal-style building located at 72 North Water Street in New Bedford. The structure is simple yet striking, with a rectangular, pinkish-brown stone façade accented by pale stone quoins at each corner. The building’s Federal style is evident in its balanced, symmetrical design and minimal ornamentation, reflecting a classic early American aesthetic. Three large, arched windows on the upper floor and three rectangular windows below are framed by light stone trim. A prominent arched doorway in the center, featuring a set of green double doors, serves as the main entrance. Above the door, a sign reads 'Rodman Candleworks' in gold letters, adding a touch of elegance to this otherwise modest building. The green window shutters and trim contrast with the building’s muted pink stone, giving it a unique charm. A short set of stone steps leads up to the entrance, which is flanked by traditional-style street lamps. The simple yet solid design of Rodman Candleworks reflects its origins as an industrial space and its connection to New Bedford’s rich whaling history. The building’s sturdy construction and clean lines make it a memorable landmark, standing as a testament to the city’s past as 'The City That Lit the World.' Though it now operates as a business and is not open for public exploration, the exterior alone offers a glimpse into the prosperous whaling era.
The Seamen’s Bethel was opened in 1832 by wealthy Quakers concerned with the spiritual well-being of mariners in New Bedford. The Seamen’s Bethel became famous when depicted as the “Whalemen’s Chapel” in Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. The Seamen’s Bethel is open to the public and is still used for regular services, weddings, funerals, and other religious activities.
Standing on the narrow bluestone sidewalk facing the east elevation of the Seamen’s Bethel, you will observe a 2 ½ story three-bay church building clad with painted clapboards and projecting entry tower. This was the main entry of the structure, but a 2018 addition built between the Seamen’s Bethel and the Mariners’ Home has connected the two buildings, providing an accessible entry to the public. The new entry is glass with a centered door between the Bethel and the Mariners’ Home. The remaining three sides of the Seamen’s Bethel are clapboard covered with a rubblestone foundation. The Bethel occupies about half the site, with rocky ledge outcroppings projecting in some areas. There is a garden, shaded with large trees, forms a green oasis in a congested urban setting. The lower level of the Seamen’s Bethel, also known as “the Saltbox,” is an open space with stadium style seating. The Saltbox was used to teach whalers and sailors about navigation plus basic reading and writing skills. Restrooms are also found on this level. The upper level of the Seamen’s Bethel is the main sanctuary and gallery seating. The pew seating is divided into four sections within the space. The prow shaped pulpit sits on and elevated stage area and is painted black and white. On the walls in the sanctuary and gallery are many cenotaphs – monuments erected to whalers and fishermen whose remains lie elsewhere. The cenotaphs are stone tablets with the engraved names of the lost men.
The U.S. Custom House in New Bedford is a Greek Revival building designed by Robert Mills in 1834-1836. As the largest of four New England custom houses, it played a crucial role in regulating maritime trade during the city’s whaling era. Today, it stands as a key landmark within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
U.S. Custom House - 37 William Street, New Bedford, MA The U.S. Custom House at 37 William Street is a large, three-story granite structure designed in the Greek Revival style by Robert Mills between 1834 and 1836. It is the largest of the four Greek Revival custom houses in New England. The building's design reflects the importance of New Bedford as a center for maritime trade during the 19th century. A prominent feature of the Custom House is its front portico, supported by four large Doric columns. These columns extend from the raised stone steps up to the triangular pediment, which is inscribed with the words "Custom House." The steps are flanked by a simple iron railing, leading to a central arched doorway. The facade is symmetrical, with tall windows framed by granite blocks and green shutters. The building is capped with a low-pitched roof, adding to its monumental presence. Tall flagpoles rise from the roof, adding a vertical element to the overall structure. Located at the corner of William and North Second Streets, the Custom House stands as a testament to the history and economic significance of New Bedford.
Discover the vibrant heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the National Park Visitor Center. Immerse yourself in a brief orientation and gather all the essential materials before embarking on your journey to explore the park, its diverse partners, and the rich tapestry of experiences that the City of New Bedford has to offer. *Please not the Visitor Center operates seasonally. Please see active exceptions to ensure that the Visitor Center is open for your visit.
Nathan and Polly Johnson House Virtual Tour You will learn about the important history of this house and the role it played in many African Americans’ lives in New Bedford and far beyond.
Become a New Bedford Junior Ranger
Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger program! The park is excited to have you become a steward and help continue to preserve and protect your national parks. At this park, you have two options for how to become an official Junior Ranger as well as earn other types of badges.
Tours
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Self-Guided Walking Tour: Lights Money New Bedford
Welcome to the Lights, Money, New Bedford self-guided tour! Dive into the rich history of the park and the city at your own pace. Whether you're exploring from the comfort of your home or strolling through the streets of New Bedford with your mobile device, this tour offers an immersive experience that connects you to the stories and landmarks that shaped the city. Accessible anytime, anywhere, this online guide is designed to bring the park to life at your fingertips.
