Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum — Attraction in New Bedford

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (RJD) was designated a National Historic Landmark as William Rotch, Jr. House in 2005. The self-guided tour allowed visitors to explore two floors of the house plus an extensive rose garden while learning the histories of the three families who lived there.

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. Additionally, this rose garden was likely the best I have visited, topping the Kelleher Rose Garden in Boston’s Emerald Necklace, the Victorian Rose Garden at Roger Williams Park, and the little rose garden at Borderland State Park.

The rose garden has wide paths and is accessible to those with limited mobility or using a wheelchair. The historic house, like many, is accessible only by stairs, and some of the rooms are dimly lit. The self-guided tour came in both a print and audio version. The museum is open on Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets to the museum are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and AAA members, $3 for children ages 7 to 17, and $0 for NEMA and AAM members, along with EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders, and active-duty military. This is a great stop for anyone in the New Bedford area who has visited its many other historical sites and wants to...

The RJD Mansion is a hidden gem — a perfect blend of historic charm, romantic gardens, and timeless elegance. As a wedding photographer, I’m always thrilled when I get to shoot at this venue. There’s something truly magical about the way it transports you to another time, right in the heart of New Bedford.

The grounds are stunning — beautifully landscaped gardens, brick pathways, iron gates, and ivy-covered trellises that make for dreamy backdrops throughout the day. The house itself, with its Greek Revival architecture and warm, stately character, adds so much personality and history to the photos. Whether it's bridal portraits on the wraparound porch or a quiet moment in the rose garden, every corner of this venue offers something picturesque.

One thing I love as a photographer is how intimate and personal weddings feel here. It’s not a massive commercial space — it’s peaceful, elegant, and full of character. The natural light in the garden during golden hour is especially breathtaking.

The team at the RJD is also wonderful to work with. They care deeply about the property and the couples who choose to get married there. They’re responsive, kind, and very respectful of vendors, which makes the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

If you're looking for a venue that’s rich in history, filled with charm, and surrounded by natural beauty, the RJD Mansion is an incredible choice. It’s a dream location for anyone who loves romantic, garden-inspired weddings — and a dream to photograph.

— Khailah Cunha Belmont &...

What a hidden Gem, and surprised why I have not been to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Gardens living within a short drive as I’m a history and architecture junky. I truly enjoyed how the house was curated, and the self guided tour was pretty cool. I throughly enjoyed my experience learning about the house and families that lived there. The gardens with trellises, and so many varieties of roses, and other flora were gorgeous and calming to walk around and enjoy. Also, I have to give a shout out to the staff who were super nice, and made the experience even...