Programs & Events
February
Thursday, February 13, 6pm – 6:45pm
The Extraordinary Power of Love
Presented by Serlingpa Kadampa Meditation Center
Level up your Valentine’s celebration this year by experiencing the power of true love. Love, according to the New Kadampa Tradition of Buddhism is defined as the sincere wish to give happiness to others. Donna Cordeiro, Resident Teacher at Serlingpa Meditation Center will give a brief talk about the nature of true love followed by a guided meditation. Recommended for Ages 15+. Admission is free as a part of AHA night.
Friday, February 14
Mini-Mony Marathon
Make your Valentine’s Day wedding extra special. Steven Martins officiates at your intimate ceremony in the double parlors of RJD’s historic whaling mansion. A mini-photo session is included with DunnRightStudios and flowers are by Between the Roses Florist. Contact Events Manager, Claudio Pereira, for details and availability. Fee: $350.
Wednesday, February 19, noon
Family Storytime
With New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the mansion for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run third Wednesdays of every month, through June. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free
Thursday, February 20, 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion with RJD Docent, George Kontanis. Free with the price of admission.
Tuesday, February 25, 5:30pm
Living the Old House Dream
Speaker: Patricia Miller, Chief Conservator, Preservation Society of Newport County
The gilded-age mansions of Newport are an important cultural asset in Rhode Island that attract visitors from around the world. The PSNC presents 10 gilded-age historic house museums, three of which have received Geothermal climate control systems within the last decade. The most recent installation at Chateau-sur-Mer, an Italianate villa built 1852 for William Shepherd Wetmore, presented many challenges. Miller will discuss the non-invasive and reversible strategies used to integrate the system and preserve the rich decorative interiors and historic landscape of this historic property. Purchase tickets at the door or on line:: $10 RJD or WHALE Members / $13 Public.
March
Thursday, March 13, 5:30pm
Craft Night
Hosted by the RJD NextGen Committee
Bring your friends and your knitting needles as we craft together in the cozy parlors. Pack your favorite craft (crochet, felting, etc; dry, dust-free art materials only) and your favorite drink (no red wine please) and we’ll provide the ambiance. This event is free as part of AHA! Night.
Wednesday, March 19, noon
Family Storytime
With New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the mansion for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run third Wednesdays of every month, through June. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free
Saturday, March 22, 1pm – 3pm
Open House at the Mansion
Drop by the estate at 396 County Street for brief guided tours of the mansion and refreshments. Enter a drawing to win a Museum membership! Free admission.
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30pm
Living the Old House Dream
In Partnership with WHALE
Speaker: Laura Parrish-Lavin
Laura Parrish-Lavin purchased 100 Madison Street in 2015 and over the next several years, restored the house to its original splendor. The doors, windows, mantels, floors and radiators are all original to the house, which was originally built in the whaling days for Abby Taber Hunt, the daughter of whaling merchant Henry Taber. Later the property became the home of Catherine Melville Hoadley, the sister of Moby Dick author Herman Melville. Purchase tickets at the door Buy tickets online:: $10 RJD or WHALE Members / $13 Public.
April
Thursday, April 10, 6:30pm
For the Love of Roses
RJD Lead Gardener gives an illustrated talk addressing rose propagation, rose care, and the evolution of the RJD garden as it was transformed from a private residence into a space for the public. Rick is an American Rose Society certified rosarian. Admission is free as a part of AHA night.
Tuesday, April 15, 5:30pm
The Annual Fellows Lecture (Virtual Talk)
With Preservation Society of Newport County Curatorial Fellows
Fellows from the PSNC speak on their recent research in the collections. A suggested donation of $10 in lieu of a fee is accepted.
Wednesday, April 16, noon
Family Storytime
With New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the mansion for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run third Wednesdays of every month, through June. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free
April 24, 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion with RJD Docent, George Kontanis. Free with the price of admission.
May
Thursday, May 8
Game Night
4pm – 6pm Family Games
6pm – 8pm 21+ Games
Hosted by the RJD NextGen Committee
Assemble some teammates and head to the tented patio in the garden. The early hours feature family-oriented games. The later hours are for 21+ games. Bring your favorite board game, card game, lawn game and beverages! The Museum provides classic board games and teammates as needed, plus low-priced snacks for the evening. This event is free as part of AHA! Night.
Saturday, May 10, 1pm to 3pm
Mother’s Day Tea
Enjoy a Spring outing in the historic garden of the Museum. Parties of two to eight people are welcome for seating under the tent. Your ticket fee includes tea, tea sandwiches, desserts, and admission to the Museum House. Check out the menu. Spring hats and dress encouraged! Tickets are $45 for Museum Members and $50 for the Public and must be purchased by May 3. Buy tickets online, or call the Museum. 48 hours-notice is required to receive a refund for canceled reservations.
Wednesday, May 21, noon
Family Storytime
With New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the mansion for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run third Wednesdays of every month, through June. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free
Tuesday, May 20, 7pm
NBHS Modern Music Concert in the Garden
With New Bedford High School Jazz Band and Rock Band, and the All-City Middle School Jazz Band and Steel Band
This concert features student musicians from New Bedford Public Schools performing various pieces of jazz and contemporary repertoire from the last 100 years. The New Bedford High School Jazz Band is an ensemble directed by Tim Mason, assisted by Tony Hyde and Nathanial Karahalis, specializing in multiple styles of jazz and improvisation. The New Bedford High School Rock band is an ensemble directed by Tom O’Leary, assisted by Nicholas Jupin, performing classic rock hits and contemporary music in the spirit of Rock and Roll. The New Bedford All-City Middle School Jazz band is a jazz ensemble grades 6-8, Directed by Nathanial Karahalis and Reis Medeiros, that perform jazz standards with improvised solos. The All-City Steel Band is a band, grades 6-8, conducted by Lee Dias. They perform contemporary music steeped in the traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. Free, with general seating on the lawn and patio.
Thursday, May 22, 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion with RJD Docent, George Kontanis. Free with the price of admission.
June
Save Our Date! Friday, June 13, 6pm – 9pm
The Annual Garden Party and 40th Celebration of the Rotch-Jones-Duff House
The Museum turns 40 in 2025! Our annual party in the garden will be extra special to celebrate this landmark. Details coming by May 1.
Thursday, June 12, 5:30pm
Garden Tour
Rick Finneran, RJD’s Lead Gardener gives a 45-minute tour in the garden, highlighting what’s in bloom and some of the hidden gems on the property. Rick is an American Rose Society certified rosarian. This event is free as part of AHA! night.
Wednesday, June 25 noon
Family Storytime
With New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the mansion for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run third Wednesdays of every month, through June. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free
Wednesday, June 18, noon
Gardening with Native Plants
With Mass Audubon
Learn how to transform your corner of the earth into an eco-friendly haven for native flora and fauna. We’ll cover how ecosystems work, habitat resiliency, climate change, invasive species, biodiversity, and the ecological importance of human-managed landscapes. You’ll leave with the ability to read your landscape and to select and maintain plants for long-term ecosystem health. Whether you are starting from scratch or transitioning an existing garden space, you too can create a wildlife sanctuary at home or in your community. Suggested donation: $10