The Old Bank Building/Visitor Center
New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park
33 William St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-4095

Originally built in 1853 for the New Bedford Institution for Savings (NBIS), this brownstone building features Greek Revivial and Italian Renaissance styles. It was designed for the bank by Providence architect Russell Warren. In 1899 the building was converted to the Third District Court, the inscription for which still appears on the front facade.

Over the years, the building housed several businesses, and in the 1980's, was repurchased by NBIS, restored, and again operated as bank branch. In 1995, after NBIS was purchased by a larger bank, the building was donated to the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE). WHALE has since donated the building to the National Park Service to use as the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Vistor Center.

The visitor center contains a large collection of tourist information, brochures, and maps for New Bedford area attractions. The building is located within The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.