Help Us Preserve Our Historic Home

The First Unitarian Church in New Bedford has stood as a beacon of community since 1838. Located in the heart of New Bedford, this iconic structure reflects the resilience and rich heritage of our city. Connected to it, the Parish House, built in 1898, has served as a hub of learning, culture, and connection. Together, they form a cornerstone of our community's identity. We are asking for your help to preserve this space for future generations.

The First Unitarian Church is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by the renowned architect Russell Warren. Over the decades, it has hosted countless weddings, memorials, gatherings, and music performances, standing witness to the stories of generations.

The adjacent Parish House is no less significant. Built during the height of New Bedford's prominence as a whaling capital, it has housed Sunday schools, community events, and artistic endeavors. It is also home to the historic Tryworks Auditorium, a space that holds the distinction of hosting one of the longest-running (1967 - 2002) coffeehouses in the United States. For decades, the Tryworks Coffee House has brought thousands of people together with music, poetry, dance, and conversation, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends generations. The auditorium needs plaster and stained glass repair, a new stage curtain, and acoustical improvements to make it an affordable and desired space for the arts, culture, and creatives in the city of New Bedford.

Plaster repairs are needed in the Tryworks Auditorium.

Stage curtain needed and plaster repairs to the windows on the stage.

Our buildings have served our community for over 180 years, but time has taken its toll. Repairs to the church's interior plaster and stained-glass windows are urgently needed to prevent further deterioration. The Parish House, too, requires updates and improvements to continue serving as a safe and welcoming space for all.

By contributing to this preservation effort, you will help:

Protect irreplaceable historical architecture.
Ensure the Tryworks Auditorium remains a vibrant venue for arts and culture.
Provide a space where future generations can gather, learn, and celebrate.

We are calling on all who value community and the arts to contribute to this vital preservation project. Your donation will directly fund critical repairs and upgrades, ensuring these buildings continue to inspire and serve for years to come.

No gift is too small; every dollar brings us closer to our goal.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us protect this extraordinary piece of New Bedford’s heritage. Together, we can ensure that the First Unitarian Church, the Parish House, and the Tryworks Auditorium continue to be symbols of resilience and community.

Tryworks Preservation

Team Members