You've probably come to see whaling
memorabilia,
of which New Bedford has lots. But there
are other things to see and do as well.
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Atop Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the
historic waterfront district (map),
the
New Bedford Whaling Museum is
the first place to see. More...
Seamen's Bethel
Across the street from the Whaling Museum
(map),
the Seamen's Bethel is a chapel constructed
in 1832 "for the
moral improvement of sailors," and immortalized
in Herman Melville's Moby Dick.
Several blocks away, at Pleasant and William,
the New
Bedford Public Library has
displays of whaling books and pamphlets.
More...
Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden
A beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture as
practiced by New Bedford's wealthy whaling merchants,
the Rotch-Jones-Duff House at 396 County Street (map;
Tel 508-997-1401) was designed in 1834 by Richard
Upjohn, founder of the American Institute of Architects.
The period gardens include a wildflower walk.
New Bedford Fire Museum
Anyone interested in the history of firefighting
in America will want to take a look at the New
Bedford Fire Museum (Tel
508-992-2162) at 51 Bedford Street, corner
of 6th Street (map). Come any day in summer
to see the restored antique fire trucks and
other firefighting equipment, displays of
old uniforms, working models of pumps and
fire poles, and other memorabilia.
