|
|
| |
| About Us |
 |
The Fort Taber Historical Association, Inc. is committed to assisting in the restoration, preservation and perpetuation of Fort Taber and its surroundings. Demonstrating how this fort is representative of the development of coastal fortifications from the Revolutionary period though the mid 20th century. |
The association was originally established on June 29,1972, under the name "the Friends of Fort Taber", by a group of individuals that were interested in the preservation and restoration of the stone fort and the gun
batteries. During that time Fort Taber was adjusting to a new life under the jurisdiction of
the City of New Bedford. It had long been a part of the United
States Military installation known as Fort Rodman. |
In 1999, as interest in preservation of Fort Taber grew, Christopher
McDonald (the son of one of the founders of Fort Taber Historical
Association) and several of the original association members decided
to reform the group. By November of that year, the reorganization of
the Fort Taber Historical Association was underway and its
non-profit status restored.
With a new slate of officers in
place and membership steadily growing, the organization is once
again able to build awareness of Fort Taber for the historical value
it holds. |
As Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. developed a wonderful plan for
Fort Taber Park, it began to look like the dream of restoration
could become a reality. Soon, the new city park began to emerge,
with miles of paths for walking, biking, and in-line skating, also
with a playground and picnic areas with historical interpretive
signs.
|
At Fort Taber Park there are three former military
buildings being renovated. The first is (P-28) or Post Exchange, it
was saved from the original military complex and placed on a new
foundation, it is to be used as a public museum about the fort`s
history. The Post Exchange will also have a separate wing for
the Marine Education Association. The two buildings along the shore
(T-44) have been renovated as a bathhouse and (P-13) for boat
storage, respectively. The new Taber Park Community Center has been
built just inside the park’s entrance gate. The Community Center
will house the Camp Kennedy program, including a main hall,
classrooms and offices. The main hall and classrooms, as well as a
kitchen will be available to the general public and to organizations
for functions throughout the year. A new structure has also been
built near the playground to provide public rest rooms and an
outdoor snack bar/café.
One of the City’s highest priorities is the
restoration of Fort Taber. The fort and the park is owned by the
City of New Bedford and is operated by the Mayor’s Office with the
Fort Taber Historical Association Inc. providing the historical
information to the Mayor’s Office and to the City of New
Bedford. |
Officers
|
|
|
Board of Directors
|
- Loretta Bourque
- Bruce Baggarly
- Frank Baylies
|
|
|
|
