A Milestone for New Bedford’s Historic Rotch-Jones-Duff House

It's the 40th anniversary of the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum on County Street in New Bedford. The museum offers a look into the 1800s, when New Bedford was one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

Executive Director Dawn Salerno and Community Engagement Coordinator Lauren Pothier visited Townsquare Sunday to talk about the museum, its magnificent flower gardens and the 40th anniversary Garden Party, scheduled for Friday, June 13.

"Because this space was saved by New Bedford people in the 1980s, I think that makes it a special place for the public," Salerno said. "The house was lived in by two prominent whaling families, plus someone (Duff) who is seen as a steward of the home and keeping its whaling history intact. Whaling in New Bedford is still a significant story to be told."

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The historic house was built in 1834 by whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr.  The Greek Revival mansion and its formal gardens are a National Historic Landmark.

Admission to the museum is $8 for adults and $3 for children. Visitors can browse in the gardens for free, except when there is a private event taking place. The site is also included in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum will host its 40th Anniversary "Rubies and Roses Garden Party" on Friday, June 13t from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature DJ Jordan Paiva, food, open bar, silent auctions and more. Cocktail attire is encouraged.  Tickets are available till June 3 at rjdmuseum.org or by calling (508) 997-1401.

"We offer 60 to 70 programs a year at RJD, from Shakespeare in New Bedford to Family Storytime and almost three-quarters of them are free of charge," Pothier said. "The money we raise from the Garden Party is going to our programs as well as upkeep of the museum."

"In our case, if you defer maintenance, the collections and the history are at risk," Salerno said. "This fundraiser is one piece of the pie to ensure we can continue to preserve this historic site."

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