The mission of the rotch-jones-duff house & garden museum is threefold:

To Preserve one of the nation's finest Greek Revival mansions and its historic grounds and gardens to the highest standard;

To interest and educate the public through exhibits and interpretive historical and horticultural programs that document the history of New Bedford and important chapters in American history through the lives of the three families who lived in the house;

And to acquire and care for appropriate artifacts, furnishings and period collections.