In the 17th century Dartmouth was a large area that now encompasses Acushnet, Fairhaven, New Bedford, and Westport.

As the membership grew, additional meeting houses were established in Westport and at Allen's Neck.

[4] The Friends Meeting House was built in 1822 on the site of the first religious building in Old Bedford Village, on land that was donated by Joseph Rotch in 1785.

[4] The town became a major Underground Railroad station, due to the Quakers' belief in equality.

"They seemed at once to understand our circumstances, and gave us such assurance of their friendliness as put us fully at ease in their presence.

[13] Hetty Green, known as "The richest woman in America" during the Gilded Age, grew up in New Bedford Meeting.

Abolition Row Park, containing a statue of Frederick Douglass, is across the street from the New Bedford meetinghouse.