Programs & Events
JANUARY
Tuesday, January 6, 4:30pm
AMERICA’S 250TH: UNRAVELING THE REVOLUTIONARY JOURNEY OF WILLIAM ROTCH SR.
Dr. Sarah Crabtree
Join us in the RJD parlors as Dr. Sarah Crabtree gives an illustrated talk addressing themes in her book: Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch. Sarah Crabtree is a Professor of History at San Francisco State University. Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! (PSUP, March 2026) is her second book. She is also the author of several journal articles and the recipient of several fellowships, including the National Endowment of the Humanities grant that supported the development of this exhibit. Free.
About Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch:
Accused of treason four times by three governments in two revolutionary decades (1775 – 1795), William Rotch suffered from the “with-us-or-against-us” political landscape of the late eighteenth century. A Quaker, he opposed wars for independence and empire. Yet he downplayed and even withheld key details from his story, a second narrative that began with the Boston Tea Party, stretched across the world, and made him one of the wealthiest men in America.
Wednesday, January 21, noon
Family Storytime
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, or stay to tour the house and grounds! Family Storytime runs on the third Wednesday of every month. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
FEBRUARY
Sunday, February 8, 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Sweetheart Tea
Share tea with your sweetheart at the RJD mansion. Couples will enjoy a private table for two, with sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and tea service. The fee also includes museum admission, a museum souvenir, and chocolates. Tea service by Rescue Cafe. Advance registration is required by February 1st. Museum Members: $85 per couple, non members: $95 per couple.
Friday, February 27, 6:30pm
Classical Favorites in the Parlors
With the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy a performance of classical favorites by musicians of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. $15, tickets can be purchased at the door. Capacity is limited, so come early for your choice of seating.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at noon
Family Storytime
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
See January listing for details.
MARCH
Thursday. March 5 at 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion with an RJD Docent. Free with the price of admission.
Friday, March 13, 7pm
Music in the Parlors
Singers perform songs ranging from classical to contemporary Broadway, jazz, pop standards, and more. The Steinway piano in the museum parlors will be used to accompany the musicians. Capacity is limited so arrive early for your choice of seating. Fee: $15; $10 for students with I.D.
Wednesday, March 18 at noon
Family Storytime
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
See January listing for details.
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
BYOBook Club at the RJD
With BYOBook Club New Bedford
BYOBook Club is a pop-up reading community in New Bedford where people come together to share space, stories, and conversation. Bring your current book, a magazine, or anything you enjoy reading. For the first hour, we read side by side. For the second we gather to chat about our readings. The last half hour features a guest author. Registration is required due to capacity. Free.
APRIL
Thursday, April 2 at 5:30pm
The Annual Fellows Lecture With Preservation Society Of Newport County Curatorial Fellows
With Preservation Society Of Newport County
Fellows from the PSNC speak on their recent research in the collections. A suggested donation of $10 in lieu of a fee is accepted.
Thursday, April 9 at 4pm
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. Part of Project Planet AHA!. Free.
Wednesday, April 15, noon
Family Storytime
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
See January listing for details.
Tuesday, April 21, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
BYOBook Club at the RJD
BYOBook Club is a pop-up reading community in New Bedford where people come together to share space, stories, and conversation. Bring your current book, a magazine, or anything you enjoy reading. For the first hour, we read side by side. For the second we gather to chat about our readings. The last half hour features a guest author. Registration is required due to capacity. Free.
MAY
Thursday, May 7, 2pm
House Tour
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Rotch-Jones-Duff mansion with an RJD Docent. Free with the price of admission.
Saturday, May 9, 1pm – 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. Spring hats and dress encouraged! Tickets are $45 for Museum Members and $50 for the Public and must be purchased by May 2. On Sale Soon. Tea service by Rescue Cafe.
Thursday, May 14, 6pm
Living The Old House Dream
With WHALE
Historic homes can be unique, charming, beautiful, and intimidating maintenance and restoration projects. At this talk, hear from an expert about best practices, processes, and resources and gain insight into preserving an older home. Part of Preservation AHA!
Wednesday, May 20, noon
Family Storytime
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
See January listing for details.
Tuesday, May 19, 7pm – 9pm
Modern Music Concert in the Garden
Featuring 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 6-8, 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
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30pm
Garden Tour
Rick Finneran, RJD’s Lead Gardener and an American Rose Society certified rosarian, gives a 45-minute tour in the garden, highlighting what’s in bloom and the hidden gems on the property. Free.
Friday, June 12
The Annual Garden Party of the RJD House & Garden
Save the date! Our annual party in the garden includes seasonal hors d’oeuvres, great décor, and creative ways to support the Museum. Details coming by May 1.
Wednesday, June 17, noon
Family Storytime
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
See January listing for details.
Tuesday, June 23, 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Slice of History Civics Fair
Drop by our beautiful house and gardens for a “slice of history” as well as a slice of pizza! Engage with your community all while learning about local history.. Community organizations will be present to distribute information on everything from voter registration to local history. The fair will also feature a program of guest speakers talking about community engagement. This program is a part of Civic Season, through Made By Us. Contributing organizations and speakers will be announced closer to the event.
Are you a local organization that wants to table? Reach out to Lauren Pothier at lpothier [at] rjdmuseum [dot] org / (508) 997-1401
