The Duff Family
The Families
The Duff Family
In 1936, Mark M. Duff purchased the house, extending its ties to maritime trade. His family’s business, David Duff & Son, had evolved from handling whale oil to transporting coal and petroleum. Mark Duff was a civic leader as well as a businessman. He served in political office, led the Merchant’s National Bank and The New Bedford Hotel, and sat on the boards of numerous textile mills.
Beatrice, Mark’s wife, made her mark on the property by redecorating interiors and redesigning the gardens.
With the help of her landscape architect, they planted thousands of tulips, installed reflecting pools and ornamental beds, and created graceful walkways that remain part of the landscape today. Mark Duff predeceased Beatrice who remained in possession of the house until 1981.
Discover more stories of the Rotch, Jones, and Duff families as well as the household staff when you tour the museum.
