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Rotch Jones Duff House & Garden Museum

Step Into a Storied Legacy

Discover the lives, legacies, and landscapes of three influential families in a landmark home that tells the story of New Bedford’s past.
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Eplore The Gardens

Welcome to RJD

A Landmark of History, Architecture, and Natural Beauty

Preserving New Bedford’s past while inspiring generations through education, exploration, and community engagement.

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is more than a historic home—it’s a living legacy. Built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch Jr., this beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion and its surrounding gardens tell the story of New Bedford’s rise as a global seaport. Today, visitors can step inside the home’s period rooms, stroll through its lush formal gardens, and engage with exhibits, events, and programs that bring history to life. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a lifelong learner, or a local neighbor, the RJD invites you to experience the richness of the past in a setting designed to inspire.

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rotch jones duff house and garden museum

Years of Service

rotch jones duff house

Experience the RJD

A preserved whaling-era mansion. A full city block of historic gardens. A timeless setting for life’s most meaningful moments.

History & Architecture

Step inside a beautifully preserved 1834 whaling-era mansion and explore the lives of the families who shaped New Bedford’s past.
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Gardens

Stroll through a full city block of formal gardens, shaded walks, and seasonal blooms—free and open to the public daily.
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Private Events

Host your wedding or special event in a timeless setting surrounded by history, elegance, and natural beauty.
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Take a closer look at the rich history, architecture, and gardens that make the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum a New Bedford treasure.

From its roots in the whaling industry to its role as a cultural and educational landmark today, the RJD is more than a historic house—it’s a living piece of history. Watch our video to step inside the home, stroll through the gardens, and discover how this unique museum continues to inspire and connect generations.
House Histories

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What Our Visitors Are Saying

From casual garden strolls to unforgettable weddings, school field trips to guided tours—every visit to the RJD is a personal journey through history, beauty, and connection.

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Karen Brizida

Happy Bride

Had our ceremony last week and it was beautiful even with all the rain. We had the ceremony under the tent and was able to take pictures in the museum. Claudio was wonderful to work with. His communication throughout the process was on point. Beautiful grounds to have a wedding ceremony or just to take wedding pictures

Abigail Epplett

Google Review

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is a fun and relaxing way to tour a historic home and enjoy beautiful flowers. The staff was cheerful and friendly. I appreciated that different rooms in the house were specific to the three families who live their, allow me to understand three separate time periods in New Bedford history.

Amy Monteiro

Google Review

Very neat to visit. I loved it. I liked how they have a print out for the self guided tour. It’s a packet of info and their areas are numbered. The rose garden is spectacular! Over 300 rose bushes were planted in 2017. So much history in our own backyard.

Tracy Cameron

Happy Bride

We had our wedding ceremony in the garden on July 16th and it was the most beautiful day! The grounds are absolutely stunning and we are so happy with how everything went. Claudio made this day so very special for us.

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On Exhibit

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01 Jan, 2025

Time: 9-5 M-F
Location: Rotch Jones Duff House
Organized By: RJD Museum

Permanent Collections

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March - Dec 2025

Time: 9-5 M-F
Location: Rotch Jones Duff House
Organized By: NB Historical Society

Current Exhibition One

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It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature.

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Aug - Sept 2025

Time: 9-5 M-F
Location: Gardens
Organized By: RJD

Current Exhibit Two

Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text.
It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature.

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