- About
- The HouseThe Rotch-Jones-Duff (RJD) House occupies a full city block on County Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts (Bristol County), bordered by Madison, Cherry (now Joli Gonsalves), and Seventh Streets. The house is a Greek Revival mansion set back from the sidewalk on all sides with the house positioned about forty feet from the sidewalks to the north and west (Madison and County Streets) to allow for greater space for gardens and outbuildings on the south and east of the property. The property is approximately one acre in size and was acquired by William Rotch Jr. as part of the land owned by his father, William Rotch Sr. William Rotch Sr. passed the property to his children under the provisions of the will in force at his death in 1828. The property was deeded to William Jr. on 5 July 1831. The house exists within a nineteenth-century residential area that is now the County Street National Register District. County Street was the fashionable place to live, away from the wharves and bustle of the commercial waterfront district. New houses in this prestigious neighborhood were of a higher style and more ornate in their execution. William Rotch Jr., however, insisted on a house…
- The FamiliesTHE ROTCH FAMILY In 1834, during the Golden Age of Whaling, William Rotch, Jr. built his fine mansion on County Street. The Greek Revival architecture embodied a style of design that reflected the changing taste and culture of a thriving young nation, while also respecting the restraint and simplicity of Mr. Rotch’s Quaker roots. William Rotch, Jr. was one of New Bedford’s most influential townsmen and entrepreneurs. He was a founding member of the New Bedford Institute for Savings, Friends Academy and the New Bedford Horticultural Society. As an elder in the Quaker meetinghouse, he was a guiding light in New England Quaker education. In addition to the family’s notable wealth, the Rotches were an early example of a vertically integrated corporation. From 1770s forward, the family owned and built whaling vessels, built and operated coastwise trading vessels that supplied naval stores and lumber to its own shipbuilding enterprise, transported whale oil and other goods, outfitted whaling vessels, operated its own store, made candles, owned wharves and storehouses in New Bedford and Nantucket, sold oil and bone on both national and international markets and more. THE JONES RESIDENCY In 1851, Edward Coffin Jones purchased the mansion for $17,000. Mr. Jones…
- The GardensIn 1834, William Rotch, Jr. built his Greek Revival house at 396 County Street. Up the hill and away from the noise and bustle of the port below, he positioned the house on the north side of the property to allow for expansive gardens with a southern exposure. Although there are no documented garden plans from the Rotch tenure, we know that his gardens were both useful and ornamental. A founding member of the New Bedford Horticultural Society, records show that Mr. Rotch, with the assistance of his Irish gardener William Howard, submitted fruits, vegetables and flowers to their exhibitions. His special interest was the cultivation of pears, which the people of New Bedford referred to as their “standard fruit.” William Rotch shared his horticultural interests with his son-in-law James Arnold, benefactor of the Arnold Arboretum. The current landscape of the property is more closely aligned with the Jones period of stewardship (1851 -1935). The pergola, situated at the main axis of the ornamental gardens, is a typical Victorian convention. Photographs of the garden from the latter part of the 19th century capture the boxwood rose parterre beds with tall calla lilies and the pergola laden with vines. Favored flowering…
- Fulfilling our MissionTHE 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 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; And to acquire and care for appropriate artifacts, furnishings and period collections. Since its founding in 1983, the role of the RJD has expanded from steward of an historic building to a proactive member of the cultural community, offering a variety of programs for a diverse audience. A Partner in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the RJD joins New Bedford’s cultural and educational organizations in pursuit of excellence and the potential of what we many all accomplish together.
- Staff DirectoryKate Corkum Executive Director kcorkum@rjdmuseum.org Nina Gray Operations, Membership, and Event Coordinator ngray@rjdmuseum.org Cindy Barber Program Coordinator and Collections cbarber@rjdmuseum.org Patti Donovan Administrative Coordinator pdonovan@rjdmuseum.org
- Contact UsRotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum 396 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740 – Get Directions Tel: 508-997-1401 Fax: 508-997-6846 General Inquiries – info@rjdmuseum.org > See Our Staff Directory Please use the form below to send a message. All fields are required.
- Visit
- Hours and AdmissionMUSEUM HOURS Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. AHA! Evenings: The Museum is open the second Thursday evening of each month (excluding January) free of charge. See AHA! Schedule for more information. Closed major holidays. Call (508) 997-1401 for further information. MUSEUM ADMISSION Adults $5.00 AAA Member $4.00 Seniors (over 62) $4.00 Students $4.00 Children (12 and under) $2.00 General Admission includes a 30-minute self-guided tour of the Museum and access to the exterior grounds and gardens. See Group Tours for related information.
- Directions> Click for a Google Map The Museum is located at 396 County Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts. From Boston (55 miles southeast of Boston): Take 128 south to route 24 south to140 south to 195 east. Take exit 15 (Route 18 south) to the second set of traffic lights. Turn right at the lights onto Union Street and travel to top of hill. Left onto County Street, travel four blocks to #396 (yellow building on left). From Providence (30 miles east of Providence): Take 195 east to exit 15 (route 18 south) to the second set of traffic lights. Turn right at the lights onto Union Street and travel to top of hill. Left onto County Street, travel four blocks to #396 (yellow building on left).
- Museum StoreFOXGLOVES “The gloves you love to wear” ORIGINAL-comfortable, form fitting, versatile, durable, barehanded feel, dexterity. Great for gardening and a wide variety of out door activities- birding, hiking, running, photography, household chores, pets, driving, & much more! ULTRA GRIP-Great for digging in the garden, doing stonework, or hauling firewood Ultra Grip handles tough chores with ease. Synthetic suede palms gives added protection from thorns and splinters. Breathable comfort, rugged and refined. FOXGLOVES WORKS-a new style this season padded palm softens impact when using tools, sleek construction, no clasps or bulk, stretch nylon back provides comfortable fit, padding protects knuckles from scrapes and bruises, durable reinforced fingertips. WOMAN’S WORK Custom fit stretch garden glove with Micro Suede 100% machine washable. Many sizes and colors ATLAS GLOVE The original nitrile “Touch” glove. Tough Nitrile coating, breathable nylon liner. Machine washable. Fits like a second skin “TRY IT ON! You’ll feel the Difference!” JOYCE CHEN SCISSORS The Original, unlimited J.C. Scissors. Household use, patented flexible handles, right or left handed, points cut right to the tip unbelievable unbelievable tough, lifetime warranty, the best you’ll ever own! “Unlimited” Garden Scissors-powerful, well balanced leverage for quick, easy cutting and pruning. Extra-reach-ideal for roses and houseplants, tapered points for clean precise…
- Group ToursGuided Group Tours are available at $5.00 per person for groups of 12 or more. Group Tours are held 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the year. Advanced reservations are required by contacting the Museum at (508)997-1401. Docent led group tours are approximately 1-hour (they can be adjusted to accommodate the group) and narrated by our trained docents. Guests are also invited to view the gardens and grounds at their leisure following the tour. Tours with Tea or Luncheon (additional cost; call for pricing): Tour groups have the option to add full tea with cookies and tea sandwiches to the guided tour or luncheon under the terrace tent between June and September. Please contact the Museum for more information.
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- Education
- ProgramsThe Museum currently offers three student educational programs for fourth and fifth grade school children during the school year, free of charge. Support materials for use in the classroom prior to the students’ visit to the Museum are available on this website by clicking teacher support material. Materials include lesson plans, graphics and illustrations that can be reproduced for classroom use, and a bibliography of related materials. We ask teachers to fill out the evaluation form after participating in the program and return it to the Museum. FOURTH GRADE – WOODLAND GARDEN PROGRAM Offered the first week of May by the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, the fourth grade WOODLAND GARDEN program introduces students to the marvels and complex nature of flowers. Topics for exploration include seed dispersal, pant life cycles, habitat, and environmental and ecological issues. The program includes a guided tour through the woodland garden, a hands-on botany lesson, the introduction of plant terminology and close inspection of plant materials. Please contact Ellie Smith at 508-758-4973 to book the Fourth Grade Woodland Garden Program. FIFTH GRADE APIARY PROGRAM Developed with fifth grade teachers in New Bedford Schools, GROWING IDEAS: CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS utilizes this unique urban garden setting to…
- Support MaterialsHistory Program Support Materials (pdf) History Program Evaluation Form (doc) Apiary Program Support Materials (pdf) Apiary Program Evaluation Form (doc)
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- Get Involved
- MembershipJoin the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum today! Your membership is an investment in our national heritage and ensures the preservation of this National Landmark house and gardens. Museum Membership Supports: The preservation of the house and gardens; Educational programming and outreach for area students; Cultural community programming; and Permanent and temporary Museum exhibits. As a Museum Member, you will enjoy the following benefits: Free admission to the house and grounds; Four free admission passes for guests (sustainer level and up) Invitations to all Museum programs and events; Reduced admission for museum programs and events; The biannual newsletter, The Record; Calendar of Events; Museum Store discounts; and The knowledge that you are helping to preserve an irreplaceable treasure. Become a Museum Member: Individual $40 Family $75 Sustainer $100 Sponsor $250 Patron $500 Benefactor $1,000 Join/Renew Membership Online For further information, please contact the museum at call (508) 997-1401. CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Corporate Membership supports educational programming at the RJD. As a successful business in the greater New Bedford community, we ask you to consider the importance of these issues: Do you believe that children benefit from rich educational and cultural experiences? Are you concerned about the educational levels and skills of…
- VolunteerThank you for your interest in volunteering at the RJD. Our volunteers provide an invaluable service to the Museum. They welcome visitors, help provide quality educational programming, exhibits and special events to the greater New Bedford community. We hope you will join us! Volunteer opportunities include: visitor reception educational docent tour docent community programs special events facilities assistant collections care student volunteers Volunteer opportunities are for the weekday with the exception of the “Programs” and “Special Event” volunteers who may assist on weeknights and the weekend. Volunteer hours are flexible according to the time commitment and interest of each volunteer. For more information please email the museum or call (508) 997-1401
- Support the RJDMake A Donation Online In recent years, individual and corporate tax-deductible donations account for over 80% of the Museum’s operating expenses necessary for preservation, community and educational programming. We are grateful to each of you who have made so much possible over the years. Ongoing giving will help fund day-to-day operational costs and support preservation and important programming. Annual Appeal funds underwrite the Museum’s basic operating costs such as heat, water, electricity, building insurance, maintenance, security and supplies. It is the Museum’s single most important income stream, accounting for 23% of the Museum’s total annual income. Day-to-day operations at the Museum must be funded before we can open our doors to the public or welcome school children for our educational programs. With your support, over 2,5000 children participate in free student programming each year at the Museum. General Gifts Your tax- deductible donation will help preserve one of the nation’s finest Greek Revival mansions and its historic grounds and gardens. Your donation will also support programming, exhibits and the acquisition of appropriate artifacts, furnishings and period collections. Educational Programming Your gift for educational programming will benefit area students participating in the 5th Grade History Program and 5th Grade Apiary Program.…
- PartnersThis website is supported in part by a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Since its founding in 1983, the role of the RJD has expanded from steward of an historic building to a proactive member of the cultural community, offering a variety of programs for a diverse audience. A Partner in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the RJD joins New Bedford’s cultural and educational organizations in pursuit of excellence and the potential of what we many all accomplish together. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the many individuals, foundations, and organizations whose ongoing support allows the Museum to fulfill its mission. The RJD Museum has recently received grant funding from the following organizations: Community Foundation Grimshaw-Gudewicz Charitable Foundation Helen E. Ellis Charitable Fund Massachusetts Cultural Council Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities New Bedford Local Cultural Council New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park Olive Prouty Higgins Foundation
- Weddings/Rentals
- WeddingsCEREMONIES Garden Wedding Ceremonies are for a period of one and one half hours. A one-hour rehearsal by appointment is included in the rental fee. Wedding parties are welcome to use the grounds for wedding photos during the rental period. Wedding ceremony rehearsals are by appointment only and typically take place the day before the ceremony. Contact the Function Rental Coordinator to schedule an appointment. Due to our summer concert series, Friday rehearsals in July and August must conclude before 5:00 pm. The Museum strongly advises that the Justice of the Peace, Minister, Rabbi, or other Clergy are present at the rehearsal to ensure an organized and professional format. A function rental staff member will be present during your rehearsal. GARDEN CEREMONY $500 1½ hours up to 150 people ($600 if booked more than 1 year in advance) INDOOR CEREMONY $600 1 hour up to 20 people TERRACE GARDEN RECEPTIONS Single Tent Receptions Terrace Garden Receptions include four hours of reception time and an additional two hours for set up and one hour for clean up. They accommodate approximately 75 guests. The rental fee includes the use of the tent, indoor kitchen facilities for caterers, restrooms, and a dressing room…
- RentalsThis elegant 19th century mansion and gardens is the ideal setting for your special event. The tent covered terrace and gardens of this historic property accommodate all types of celebrations from May through September, including teas, weddings, receptions, private parties, family reunions, business meetings, photo sessions and celebrations of all kinds for up to 200 people. On site amenities include full use of the exterior grounds and gardens, reception tent(s), outdoor lighting, indoor kitchen facilities for caterers, three restrooms and a dressing from on the terrace level. Caterer, chairs, tables and linens must be rented separately. TERRACE FUNCTION RENTALS Museum Hours $250 per hour up to 75 seated or 125 cocktail party After Hours: $300 per hour up to 75 seated or 125 cocktail party TERRACE AND LAWN TENT Museum Hours $1,500 plus $300 per hour up to 140 seated After Hours: $2,000 plus $350 per hour up to 140 seated GARDEN PHOTO SESSION (during Museum hours) Outdoor Sessions: $200 1 hour up to 20 people Indoor Sessions: $200 1 hour up to 15 people TERRACE BUSINESS MEETINGS Museum Hours Only $200 per hour up to 100 people auditorium style INDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY After Hours Only $850 for a two…
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