The Museum of Madeiran Heritage was opened at the start of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament on July 29, 1999. It is the only museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the islands of Madeira that lie 600 miles southwest of Portugal. Inside, visitors will find a fascinating collection of Madeiran art, and fine crafts including, embroidery, lace, linens, pottery and weaving. Traditional costumes of Folkloric dancers are on display along with an authentic ‘corca’ or sled used to transport visitors from the village of Monte high atop a hill outside of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. On the north side of the museum is the beautiful Madeira Garden, with a fountain, grape arbor and plantings surrounding the lawn reminiscent of the garden isle.
A large brick patio commemorates members and friends who have donated to the on-going work of the museum. Individual engraved bricks continue to be sold and arrangements may be made with the museum staff. The museum continues to add to its collections by kind donations from people of Madeiran heritage throughout North America and through ties to Madeira. If you have or know of items of Madeiran origin and are willing to consider a donation, please contact the museum at (508) 994-2573. The location address of the Museum of Madeiran Heritage was changed in 2001 to 1 Funchal Place as a way of honoring and establishing a stronger tie to its ‘motherland’. The official mailing address remains 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. The museum operates as an affiliate of the Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc. and is staffed by member volunteers.
