Mariners’ Home
The Mariners’ Home was built by William Rotch Jr. in 1787 on the corner of Water and William streets. He and his family lived there until moving to what is now known as the Rotch-Jones-Duff House in 1834 (Rotch built this house as well). He rented his house on William Street for commercial uses. After his death in 1850, the house was donated to the New Bedford Port Society, which ran the Seamen’s Bethel, and it was moved to this location on Johnny Cake Hill. In 1851 it reopened as a boarding house for transient sailors and operated as such into the 1960s.
The Mariner’s Home is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill. Limited street parking is available, but unless you are disabled, do yourself a favor and park in the public garage on Elm Street and walk the two blocks to the church.
From April through December the Mariner’s Home is open to visitors daily, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM from March through October, and then from 11 AM to 3 PM in November and December. It is open on Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays) in January, February, and March, 11 AM to 3 PM. Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the current schedule on the New Bedford Port Society website.
The Mariners’ Home is still owned by the New Bedford Port Society. The house was recently renovated, and four rooms of exhibits on the lower floor are now open to the public. There is no charge to enter the Mariner’s Home or the Seamen’s Bethel, but donations are highly welcomed. Donations are what keeps the two facilities up and running.
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Last updated on June 24, 2020
