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 understands its past and has hope for its future.

Places that Matter: New Bedford

Public Launch May 9, 2024

Join WHALE and our partners, the Trust for Public Land, as we celebrate the culmination of 2 years of work, outreach and collaboration with the public launch of our Places that Matter: New Bedford project. Join us at one of two events planned for May 9 to learn more about this “greenprint” mapping tool and its potential for the community.

Click to learn more about this project and how to attend on May 9. 

Help Shape the Next Chapter of WHALE!

Since January WHALE has been undergoing an intensive strategic planning process to help us decide where this new chapter takes us. The draft plan is now available for public review and comment and we want to hear from you!

Click here to view the plan and learn how you can submit your thoughts and help shape WHALE’s work and goals for 2025 – 2029. 

Current Projects

Past Projects

Community Impact

WHALE’s New Strategic Plan

WHALE’s Strategic Plan: The next chapter in a tale of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan Draft WHALE’s upcoming strategic …

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Places that Matter: New Bedford’s Launch – May 9!

For the past two years, the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) and the Trust for Public Land have collaborated on an innovative project called Places that …

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A History Lesson

Strategic Planning for the future has a lot of retrospection imbedded in it. Often we look to the past for inspiration, guidance and affirmation of …

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Living the Old House Dream: An Ask the Expert Series

Living the Old House Dream: An Ask the Expert Series for Lovers and Owners of Historic Houses WHALE and The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum …

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WHALE E-Newsletter: 2023 Wrap Up

The leaves have fallen, and the holidays are officially here. It’s been a busy fall at WHALE and we are excited to celebrate some amazing …

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Annual Appeal 2023 – New Life & New Stories for New Bedford’s Historic Places

      2023 Annual Appeal – WHALE If there is one thing that WHALE has done consistently since 1962, it has been giving life …

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