Support the RJD
Your Support Keeps History Alive
You can make the difference. Your support funds the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum’s mission to enliven New Bedford’s history, engage our communities, and enrich cultural understanding. Each year, the museum must raise about 70% of our income from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Choose from the fund options below and make your gift by clicking on the fund name, or calling the Development Department at the Museum: 508-997-1401 x 105.
Support RJD
Other Ways To Support
Buy A Bud
A donation of $150 covers the yearly cost of care and feeding for one of the 350 rose bushes in the parterre garden. Your gift helps pay for mulching, watering, fertilization, and pruning for the season.
Donate
Pathways Campaign
The RJD mansion and gardens serve as spaces for a variety of activities. The ambiance of the gardens provides a unique setting for summer concerts and theater, educational programs, garden tours, family activities, weddings, business meetings and social events. The mansion is host to public exhibitions, guided tours, teas, educational programming, chamber music concerts, museum visitation, and private use by groups and individuals. We run over 70 programs a year, offer college internships, and work with between 15 and 20 partner organizations to present those programs. The RJD is open year-round, we offer free admission through several programs, and about 75% of our programming is offered free of charge.
The Pathways Campaign will:
Engage a new community, reflecting diversity in race, culture, age, and economic and social backgrounds, with The RJD’s historic house and gardens.
Grow the capacity of the RJD’s endowment so that the annual draw supports 21st century costs of doing business.
Invest in our human resources, endowing staff who care for our core collections. In 2025, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we ask you to reflect on all that The RJD brings to New Bedford and support it with your Pathways Campaign Gift.
Donate
Museum Membership
Your membership is an investment in the greater New Bedford community and ensures the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. Join now and help us share the past with future generations.
Open the door to a year of history, architecture, gardens, and programs that inspire and enrich learning. Visitors to the 1834 historic house will find period rooms and gallery-style exhibitions. They can enjoy a digital house tour from their phone for increased access to the period rooms and exhibitions on the workers and residents of 396 County Street. In-person educational programs and tours are offered year-round, and digital content is always available on our YouTube channel.
Give the gift of a membership to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum!
A Museum membership can be the perfect gift for that lover of old homes or the cultural carnivore in your life. Memberships become active on the date of purchase.
Museum Membership Supports:
- Preservation of the mansion and gardens.
- Cultural community programming.
- Educational programming for area students.
- Permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Premium Level Members Enjoy The Following Benefits
Four free passes to the Museum for friends and family (Boxwood level and up)
One weekday 2-hour facility rental (Copper Beech / Corporate Level)
Free admission to the house and grounds.
Reduced rates for RJD programs and events.
Free admission to select RJD programs and events.
Invitations to two annual Members’ Receptions.
The semi-annual newsletter.
10% discount at the Museum store.
Museum Members enjoy the following benefits:
Free admission to the house and grounds.
Reduced rates for RJD programs and events.
Free admission to select RJD programs and events.
Invitations to two annual Members’ Receptions.
The semi-annual newsletter.
10% discount at the Museum store.
Membership Levels
Individual: $50 / New Bedford Resident: $40 | Dual: $65 / New Bedford Residents: $55 | Family: $85 / New Bedford Residents: $75 | Boxwood: $125 | Hydrangea: $250 | Rose: $500 | Copper Beech: $1,000
Join
Corporate Membership
Businesses who join our community as Corporate Members demonstrate alignment with our values:
- We believe that children benefit from rich educational and cultural experiences.
- We believe that a good quality of life includes opportunities for learning and socialization outside of formal school environments.
- We are committed to a thriving New Bedford and South Coast.
- We believe in investing in these values.
Corporate Member – $500
- One reusable free pass to the Museum
- Invitation to the annual Corporate Members’ Reception
- The semi-annual newsletter
- Acknowledgment on the support page of RJD’s website
- Four free passes, to give to clients or employees as desired
Supporting Corporate Member – $1,000
- Four reusable free passes to the Museum
- Invitation to the annual Corporate Members’ Reception
- The semi-annual newsletter
- Acknowledgment on the support page of RJD’s website
- Ten free passes, to give to clients or employees as desired
- One two-hour weekday facility/garden rental (for up to 20 guests) OR a docent-guided tour for a group of up to ten, scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time
Sustaining Corporate Member – $2,500
- Ten reusable free passes to the Museum
- Invitation to the annual Corporate Members’ Reception
- The semi-annual newsletter
- Acknowledgment on the support page of RJD’s website
- Ten free passes to give to clients or employees as desired
- One two-hour weekday facility/garden rental (for up to 40 guests) OR a guided tour with the Executive Director for a group of up to 15, scheduled at a mutually agreed time
Join
Event Fundraisers
Events bring RJD supporters together to celebrate and support the Museum’s impact in the community. Stay tuned for more information and additional events throughout the year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteer hours are flexible according to the time commitment and interest of each volunteer. Most positions require weekday hours. Those interested should complete a Volunteer Application and CORI Form. Completed forms can be mailed to the museum or emailed to the volunteer coordinator.
Board Membership
The RJD is in the final year of its strategic plan centered on community engagement, diversity, inclusion, and expanded programming. With steadily increasing attendance, a diversified income base, and an integral role in the Abolition Row narrative, The RJD is poised for continued growth. The Pathways Campaign is also in progress, reinforcing the Museum’s financial future.
The RJD is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of its leadership. The Museum is actively seeking new Board members who will reflect the communities it serves, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to decision-making, strategic planning, and key discussions. The RJD believes that a varied and inclusive Board is essential to driving the Museum’s mission and ensuring its ongoing impact on the community.
Trustees serve a minimum of three years, with a maximum term of nine years. The Board meets bi-monthly, and Trustees are required to serve on at least one committee and actively participate in the Museum’s events and programs.
Nominations typically open in March. Interested individuals may consider serving on a committee, or volunteering for the Museum in the meantime. For more information, please contact Executive Director Dawn Salerno at 508-997-1401