Programs & Events
October
Wednesday, October 1, 6:30pm
History Happens in Graphic Novels: Artist’s Talk
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
Melissa “Sawhand” Philley, graphic artist and illustrator gives a talk about her latest graphic novel: Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch, an artistic collaboration with history professor, Dr. Sarah Crabtree. This talk will include an artist-led activity and other fun games. This is taking place at the New Bedford Free Public Library
This talk is a part of the project titled, “America’s 250th: Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr.”. The project explores a new historical graphic novel about the life of William Rotch Sr., penned by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa Philley, through a series of programs and an exhibition of about 20 artworks from the book, opening at the RJD on November 20. It is funded by Eastern National, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service.
Saturday, October 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.
Thursday, October 9, 4pm – 7pm
The Great Pumpkin Parade
Visit the grounds to see a display of Jack-O-Lanterns. Inside the mansion, children can participate in a scavenger hunt with prizes. At 5:30pm, Cool Banana Wig performs, bringing kids up to play a variety of unique homemade instruments built by the band. Refreshments served. Suggested donation: $5 Individuals / $10 Family. This event is also part of AHA night.
The RJD is looking for pumpkin carvers for this event! Interested? Email Dawn Salerno. Carvers are asked to provide their own pumpkin and deliver finished pieces to the Museum by noon, October 9.
Wednesday, October 15, Noon – 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 every third Wednesday of the month, through December 17. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
November
Saturday, November 1, 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 museum admission.
Saturday November 8th, 12pm – 3pm
Artist Workshop
With The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Melissa “Sawhand” Philley, the graphic artist and illustrator of the graphic novel: Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch, presents a hands-on art workshop for youth ages 12 and up. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. The workshop is free and takes place at the NBWNHP Visitor Center, in New Bedford. Some supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own pens, pencils, and markers.
This talk is a part of the project titled, “America’s 250th: Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr.”. The project explores a new historical graphic novel about the life of William Rotch Sr., penned by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa Philley, through a series of programs and an exhibition of about 20 artworks from the book, opening at the RJD onNovember 20. It is funded by Eastern National, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service.
Thursday, November 13, 5:30pm
Birding Past & Present
With Mass Audubon
You’ve started to notice more closely the familiar and intriguing birds in your backyard, on your commute, or outside your window—now you want to know more. This program will introduce you to the birding basics, from how to identify different bird families to the various tools and resources at your disposal. Find out what makes birds unique in the animal kingdom; where and how to locate birds in urban, suburban, and rural communities; and learn about basic bird biology and behavior. Join one of the fastest growing hobbies in North America. This event is free as part of AHA night.
Wednesday, November 19, Noon to 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 every third Wednesday of the month, through December 17. Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
Thursday November 20th, 6:00 PM
Opening Reception for the Exhibition & Artist’s Talk
Join the RJD for a reception and be the first to see RJD’s newest exhibition, Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr. The exhibition features the art of a new historical graphic novel “Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch” written by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa “Sawhand” Philley. Twenty prints of art in the book will be on display. The artist, Melissa Philley will speak about her work at 6:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.
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.
This exhibit invites the viewer – you! – to decide which label best describes him. Along the way, we’ll revisit some famous (and infamous!) events and we’ll hear from a few characters you’ve definitely heard of and some maybe you haven’t. What we hope is that you’ll agree his-story is a way of reapproaching how history is made – a story that is as much about who and what we remember as how and why we remember them.
December
Sunday, December 7th, 1pm – 3pm or
Tuesday, December 9th, 1pm – 3pm
Afternoon Tea in the Parlors
Catered by Lilly’s Team Room (powered by The Rescue Cafe)
Enjoy tea, scones, tea sandwiches and sweets in the festively decorated double parlors of the mansion. Festive dress is encouraged. Fee includes tea service plus admission to the Museum. Parties of 8 guests may reserve a table; smaller parties may be seated with each other, at group tables. Make your reservation online: $40 Members/ $45 Public; advance reservations required.
Thursday, December 11, 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. Be a baker or be a judge in the sixth annual Cookie Challenge where home bakers bring batches of their favorite homemade cookie for sampling and judging. This event is part of AHA night. Donations are accepted in lieu of a fee.
Wednesday, December 17, Noon – 12:30pm
Family Storytime
In Partnership with the New Bedford Free Public Library
Meet in the garden 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! Open to all ages with accompanying adult. Free.
