New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Signs of the Time
New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
1. Signs of the Time Marker
The outward appearance of the brick and brownstone building diagonally in front of you has changed little over the years. However, the signs identifying the ownership and use of the structure have changed repeatedly. It was originally built as a bank in 1854, created to hold the savings of “industrious mechanics, laborers, seamen, widows, minors and others in moderate circumstances.”
In 1899 the Third District Court of Bristol County took over the space and used it until 1914. After a succession of tenants, it was reopened as a bank again in the 1970s. Fleet Bank donated the building to the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) in 1994. When New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park was established in 1996, WHALE donated the old bank to the American people to serve s the parks visitor center.
Between 1914 and 1975, the “old bank” had various tenants, including a fraternal order and antique shop. In the 1950s and 1960s it housed Johnsons Auto Parts Store, and what is now the adjacent garden was a parking lot.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Andrew Robeson House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Andrew Robeson House (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Custom House-Customary Duty (a few steps from this marker); New Bedford Institution for Savings Bank (a few steps from this marker); New Bedford Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil Wars First Black Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Heroes of Fort Wagner (within shouting distance of this marker); Bourne Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Also see . . . New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park - National Park Service. (Submitted on January 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 30, 2010
2. Signs of the Time Marker
Photographed by Byron Hooks, August 31, 2014
3. Signs of the Time Marker
The maker has been cleaned.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 24, 2017
4. Signs of the Time Marker
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 30, 2010
5. Signs of the Time Marker
The inscription on the building is Third District Court of Bristol County. On the door is painted the "The Old Bank". This building is now the National Park Visitor Center.
Photographed by Byron Hooks, August 31, 2014
6. Signs of the Time and the Customary Duty Markers
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
7. Signs of the Time Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 723 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 12, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2. submitted on January 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 26, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 4. submitted on August 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on January 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 6. submitted on September 26, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 7. submitted on December 12, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
