Bourne and Wood Building Restoration

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Civitects PC worked with the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the City of New Bedford, and the Massachusetts Historical Commission to restore the iconic cupola and windows associated with the historic Bourne and Wood Buildings.

The Bourne Building and Cupola were originally constructed in 1916 in memory of Captain Johnathan Bourne and as a symbol of New Bedford’s prominent role in the whaling industry. Nearly two decades later, in 1934, the Wood Building was constructed to house the Whaling Museum’s growing archival collection and additional gallery space for the public. The New Bedford Whaling museum is listed on the State Register of Historic places and is included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the New Bedford National Historic Landmark District.

This project was part of the Whaling Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve and protect these historic structures.  The goal of the project was to restore the heavily damaged wood trim, deteriorated windows sealants, and peeling paint in order to preserve and maintain the historic character of the building. Where possible, the original wood trim and details were saved and restored using consolidant and epoxy. Wood details damaged beyond repair were removed and replaced in kind with new trim that matched the size, shape, and profile of the original. Areas of blistering and peeling paint were scraped, primed, and painted to match the existing trim color. 

The work was funding in part by a Mass Historic Preservation Fund Grant and through the Community Preservation Act.