Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE) Is a tale of "ordinary people who do extraordinary things"

WHALE was established in 1962, when urban renewal threatened entire neighborhoods. Its founders were committed to saving our city's history and architectural heritage from "death by neglect and the tyranny of the bulldozer."

Perhaps, Sarah Delano, WHALE's President from 1966-1982, said it best, "if you bulldoze your heritage, you become just anywhere" WHALE was founded to ensure that New Bedford is "Not Just Anywhere."

Over the past 50 years, WHALE has facilitated the completion of more than 50 restoration and preservation projects in the New Bedford area. Because of its non-profit status, WHALE can enter into a variety of real estate transactions including purchase, rehabilitation, sale, and deed restrictions. With these capabilities, WHALE has been able to save properties which could not be handled by the private sector.