Programs & Events
November
Saturday, November 4, 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion. Various RJD Docents and staff conduct tours. Free with the price of admission.
Wednesday, November 15, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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 kid to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run every third Wednesday of the month, through December 20. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
Tuesday, November 28, seatings available at 2pm and 4pm
Afternoon Tea in the Parlors
Enjoy tea and scones in the festively decorated double parlors of the mansion. Festive dress is encouraged. Fee includes tea, desserts, and admission to the Museum. $25 Members / $30 Public; advance reservations required. Limited tickets left: to purchase tickets, please contact Functions & Sales Manager, Claudio Pereira: functions [at] rjdmuseum [dot] org / 508-997-1401 x105
December
Saturday, December 2, 9am – 2pm
Garden Club of Buzzards Bay’s Holiday Greens Market
Drop by the Coach House at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House for the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay’s annual Holiday Greens Market. There will be handmade decorated wreaths, centerpieces, garlands, tabletop trees, swags, arrangements, ornaments and more for sale! Proceeds support the Club’s Grants Program for Conservation, Civic Beautification, Sustainable Agriculture and Scholarships.
Saturday, December 2, 12pm – 5pm
Holiday Stroll
The RJD will be decorated for the holidays, including a large nativity scene by Fairhaven artist, Luis Duffy-Baraybar. Visitors to the 1834 whaling mansion can take a photo by the large Christmas tree in the parlors, post and tag RJD on Facebook for a chance to win a free family membership. (Admission to the museum is required.) Shoppers can enjoy a 10% discount on all Museum Shop items during the holiday stroll (no admission required to enter the shop).
Thursday, December 14, 4pm – 6pm
Christmas on County
Drop in to see the decked halls of the mansion and hear from docents about some of the holiday customs held by residents of the house. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and seasonal accessories. The Cookie Challenge is in its fourth year where weekend-warrior bakers bring batches of their favorite homemade cookie for you to sample and judge. This event is part of AHA Night. Donations are accepted in lieu of a fee.
Wednesday, December 20, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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 kid to collaborate and create together! Family Storytime will run every third Wednesday of the month, through December 20. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
January
Wednesday, January 17, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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.
Sunday, January 21, 11:30am – 1pm
Members Reception
Museum Members are invited to a reception and talk about the latest Museum happenings. Refreshment will be served. Members are welcome to bring two non-member guests with them. RSVP to Hillary Fortin: HFortin [at] rjdmuseum [dot] org / 508-997-1401 x103.
Tuesday, January 30, 5:30pm
Living the Old House Dream: An Ask the Expert Series
In Partnership with WHALE
Historic homes can be unique, charming, beautiful…. and intimidating maintenance and restoration projects. Hear from experts about best practices, processes, and resources and gain insight into preserving an older home. This three-part series will feature informative presentations from New Bedford City representatives, a preservation consultant, and professionals with hands-on experience working with historic homes. Bring your questions and your love of historic homes! Fee: $8 RJD or WHALE Members / $12 Public. Series: $20 Members / $30 Public. Purchase Tickets Here.
Photo Credit: 149 Allen Street, Courtesy of WHALE
February
Thursday, February 8, 4pm – 6pm (Family Games) & 6pm – 8pm (21+ Games)
Game Night, Hosted by the NextGen Committee
Assemble some teammates and head to the RJD Mansion. The early hours feature family-oriented games. The later hours are for 21+ games. Bring your favorite board game, Magic Deck and beverages (no red wine or Twister in the mansion please!) 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.
Wednesday, February 14, 5:30pm
Valentine Evening Prelude
Featuring New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s Timothy Macri (Flute) & Luís Avíla (Guitar)
Enjoy a full hour of romantic music from Bogotá to Broadway, from São Paulo to Sicily, and from Venezuela to Valencia. Advance reservations requested: $15 Members / $18 Public. Sweetheart Table (includes front row café-style seating for two, with flowers and chocolates): $50.
Wednesday, February 21, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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, February 27, 5:30pm
Living the Old House Dream: An Ask the Expert Series
In Partnership with WHALE
Historic homes can be unique, charming, beautiful…. and intimidating maintenance and restoration projects. Hear from experts about best practices, processes, and resources and gain insight into preserving an older home. This three-part series will feature informative presentations from New Bedford City representatives, a preservation consultant, and professionals with hands-on experience working with historic homes. Bring your questions and your love of historic homes! Fee: $8 RJD or WHALE Members / $12 Public. Series: $20 Members / $30 Public. Purchase Tickets Here.
Photo Credit: 149 Allen Street, Courtesy of WHALE
March
Thursday, March 14, 5:30pm
Behind-The-Scenes: Photographing Collections
Get a glimpse of museum collections and archives from an insider’s perspective. Collections Manager, Lauren Prescott, will demonstrate how museum objects get catalogued and photographed using a light box. Participants will have a chance to photograph a museum piece. Admission is free as a part of AHA night.
Wednesday, March 20, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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 23, 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 26, 5:30pm
Living the Old House Dream: An Ask the Expert Series
In Partnership with WHALE
Historic homes can be unique, charming, beautiful…. and intimidating maintenance and restoration projects. Hear from experts about best practices, processes, and resources and gain insight into preserving an older home. This three-part series will feature informative presentations from New Bedford City representatives, a preservation consultant, and professionals with hands-on experience working with historic homes. Bring your questions and your love of historic homes! Fee: $8 RJD or WHALE Members / $12 Public. Series: $20 Members / $30 Public. Purchase Tickets Here.
Photo Credit: 149 Allen Street, Courtesy of WHALE
April
Thursday, April 11, 5:30pm
Behind-The-Scenes: The Spinner Photo Archives
Get a glimpse of museum collections and archives from an insider’s perspective. The Spinner Archive consists of more than one million historical and contemporary photographs, depicting 150 years of life in the southeastern Massachusetts region. It is also an important community resource. Hear about the formation of the archive from Spinner Publications co-founder, Joe Thomas. Admission is free as a part of AHA night.
Tuesday, April 16, 5:30pm
Storytelling Objects & Animals in the Gilded Age (Virtual Talk)
With Preservation Society of Newport County Curatorial Fellows
Dani Zhang’s efforts have illuminated a world of meaning by decoding imagery, identifying previously unknown Chinese artists, and uncovering the nuanced nature of traditional vs. western utility. She will discuss her exploration of Chinese-crafted artwork and objects held in the collection of the PSNC. Isla Stewart’s research investigates important cultural themes through a range of fine and decorative objects as well as period literature to illuminate significant developments in Americans’ changing relationship with animals in the Gilded Age. She will illuminate her work in support of the upcoming PSNC summer 2024 exhibition, Wild Imagination: Art and Animals in the Gilded Age. A suggested donation of $10 in lieu of a fee is accepted.
Wednesday, April 17, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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.
May
Thursday, May 9, 5:30pm
Behind-The-Scenes: The Carpenter’s Son Restoration
Get a glimpse of museum collections and archives from an insider’s perspective. The Carpenter’s Son, a painting by Edward Simmons would only return to the walls of the RJD Museum after it had been terribly vandalized and restored. Hear the story of its conservation from Jeremy Fogg, Lead Conservator, Northeast Painting Conservation. Donations are accepted in lieu of a fee, as part of AHA Night.
Wednesday, May 15, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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, May 15, 5:30pm reception; 6pm talk
The Birds of Dog; An Historical Novel Based on Mostly True Events
Author’s Illustrated Talk & Book-Signing
“The Birds of Dog” opens in the early days of The Boston Society of Natural History and simmers with remarkable lost stories about America’s emerging sciences and its first scientists. The Society eventually evolved into Boston’s Museum of Science. Science journalist Ann B. Parson will relate some of the amazing but forgotten sagas & milestones captured in her newest book, which ends with the launch of The Audubon Society. Arrive early to the tented patio for refreshments. Books will be available for purchase ($20 + tax) and signing at the event. This event is free but an RSVP is requested: HFortin [at] rjdmuseum [dot] org / 508-997-1401.
Tuesday, May 21, 7pm
Modern Music Concert in the Garden
With New Bedford High School Jazz Band, Steel Band, and Rock Band
This concert features student musicians from New Bedford High School performing various pieces of jazz, and contemporary repertoire from the last 100 years. The New Bedford High School Jazz Band is an after-school ensemble directed by Tim Mason specializing in multiple styles of jazz and improvisation. The New Bedford High School Steel Band is an after-school band, grades 6-12, conducted by Lee Dias. They perform contemporary music steeped in the traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. The New Bedford High School Rock Band is directed by Tom O’Leary and performs tasteful modern music from different eras of Rock and Roll History. Free admission; general seating on the lawn and patio.
June
Save the Date! Friday, June 7, 6pm – 9pm
The Annual Garden Party of the Rotch-Jones-Duff House
Our annual party in the garden includes seasonal hors d’oeuvres, open bar, and great décor as well as fun and creative ways to support the Museum. Details coming by May 1.
Wednesday, June 12, 12pm – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the 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, June 13, 5pm – 7pm
A Bloomsday Celebration
Bloomsday is a celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce. Observed annually in Dublin, the day will be celebrated at RJD with Rick Finneran, Lead Gardener. Rick will give a 45-minute tour in the RJD’s garden followed by a walking tour to explore nearby gardens, church bells, and the literary history of the neighborhood. The group will visit Our Lady of Assumption, The Friends Meeting House, and The Unitarian Church among others. Join for either, or both tours. This event is free as part of AHA night.
