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2023: A Year of Change
A WHALE E-Newsletter
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The leaves have fallen, and the holidays are officially here. It’s been a busy fall at WHALE and we are excited to celebrate some amazing accomplishments and reflect on a pivotal year. In addition to looking back on 2023, we also look forward to the New Year with some with fresh ideas, plans and opportunities to connect and collaborate. But not just yet, as the holiday season in our historic city is certainly one to be enjoyed. Thank you for all of your ongoing support of WHALE, our mission and our projects. Happy Holidays! | |
WHALE received the Trustees Award for Organizational Excellence at the Past/Forward Conference in early November. (Image: top, Interim NTHP President & CEO Jay Clemens presents Erin Miranda with WHALE's Award, the award and program, a view of the opening plenary and award presentations at Past/Forward 2023) | |
WHALE Receives National Award
Seventy preservation projects over sixty-two years is a remarkable track record, not to mention the ripple effect of fostering understanding, appreciation, and utilization of preservation across the city. WHALE’s work and impact in New Bedford was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the Trustees Award for Organizational Excellence earlier this month at the Past/Forward Conference in Washington, D.C.
WHALE was honored for our commitment to preservation and the transformative impact it has had on New Bedford. Our historic restorations continue to adapt historic buildings for uses that create a thriving urban center, make neighborhoods strong, and bring economic gains to the city.
The slate of awards represents several of the most prestigious honors in the preservation field, and celebrates some of the distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through the preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage.
Executive Director Erin Miranda accepted the award on behalf of the board, past and present, and our partners in New Bedford. “WHALE has a tremendous legacy in the city, and we collectively look forward to continuing our mission of fostering historic preservation through the continued use of our shared architectural heritage to enhance community and economic vitality in New Bedford.”
Watch our awardee video here or below and visit the National Trust’s YouTube channel to view the other 2023 award recipients.
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'Tis the Season - 2023 Annual Appeal
It’s officially the season; the season of giving, thanking, celebrating, and connecting with others. WHALE would like to thank all our members, partners and donors who support our organization throughout the year. Your financial contributions enable us to take on challenging projects, to be an ally for preservation, a resource for questions and a champion for the city of New Bedford as a whole.
As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on our work and why we do what we do. It is not just about the buildings we restore; it is about the people who will use them long after WHALE’s work is done. We give new life to old buildings, and we cannot do that without you.
Please consider a donation to WHALE’s 2023 Annual Appeal and be a part of bringing new life and new stories for New Bedford’s historic places.
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Did You Know...
Donations of $1,000 or more to WHALE are eligible for a 50% state tax credit? As a CDC, WHALE participates in the Community Investment Tax Credit Program and recently received $300,000 in tax credits to pass along to those who make a signifiant investment in our organization. Learn more about how your donation can make an even bigger impact on WHALE here.
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Introducing...The Steeple Playhouse!
On November 17, the doors of The Steeple Playhouse opened for the first time, officially welcoming attendees to the Your Theatre, Inc.’s first performance in their new home. “Murder on the Orient Express” was by all accounts a tremendous success, with multiple sold out shows. But what was just as exciting was experiencing the former First Baptist Church as it was envisioned nearly ten years ago, as a vibrant performing arts venue. Congratulations to Your Theatre, Inc. for a successful first show and our profound thanks to all who worked for years to make this project a reality, including A-Plus General Contracting, Inc., studio2sustain, The City of New Bedford, Mass Cultural Council, Your Theatre, Inc. and many more.
Be sure to check out the playhouse's website for upcoming shows, including JazzFest on December 3.
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Living the Old House Dream
New Bedford’s historic houses got a lot of love this fall with a Boston Sunday Globe article that featured The Whale House and lots of pictures of local Italianate style homes. The Whale House was also featured on an episode of “Diary of and Old House” streaming on the Magnolia Network.
If you own or have ever wondered what it would be like “living the old house dream”, join WHALE and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Museum & Gardens for a three part speaker series in early 2024! “Living the Old House Dream” will feature expert presentations and Q&A opportunities for attendees. Speakers include our own New Bedford preservation planner, a consultant and Circuit Rider (aka: mentor and assistance) from Preservation Massachusetts and a local homeowner who will show just what is possible with historic homes in the city. Save the dates of January 30, February 27 and March 26. More details will be available through WHALE and the RJD in the coming weeks.
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Project Update: Places that Matter
In 2022 WHALE began the “Places that Matter” project, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. This “greenprint” is a map of places that matter to a community, and creating one starts with community input and leads to state-of-the-art computer models and maps developed using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The final interactive map will help New Bedford make informed decisions about how to grow while preserving the character, environment and quality of life in the city.
We have been busy at work with our steering committee, reviewing scoring criteria for the over 200 nominations that were submitted by community members, looking over draft maps and having lots of conversations with partners at the city and beyond. We are eagerly looking forward to next spring when this incredible tool will be live and available for WHALE, the city and anyone else to use and see the “places that matter” in New Bedford.
For more project details click here.
Text Link
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Your Support Means Everything
WHALE's Partners in Preservation, like Bristol County Savings Bank (pictured left), BayCoast Bank and South Coast Improvement Company, our members, and donors are vital to our mission. Your support enables us to take on challenging projects, provide support fellow partners and be an ally and resource for preservation and community development in New Bedford! Thank you!
Donate Today
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