New Bedford 1898 Orphan's Home

The Orphan's Home moved to this newer facility on Taber Street in 1898.

This building was later demolished and the location is currently part of the compound of St Luke's hospital - Southcoast Hospital Group.

It was determined at a public meeting that children were best cared for in an individual family home so the foster care system started on September of 1910.

In 1910 this building became part of St. Luke's Hospital as a hospital ward for women and children. It also had rooms for nurses.

The group in charge of the orphan's and related issues became the New Bedford Children’s Aid Society. Now known as New Bedford Child and Family Services.

The First Orphan's Home was opened in 1842 and was said to be on Point Rd. That Road was later named French Avenue and then later West Rodney French Blvd.
1842 Image of Orphan's Home.