In 1974 a group of private citizens banded together to try to halt a state plan to widen New Bedford's premier residential avenue and destroy the tall old elm trees that had arched over the street for decades.  That group became the New Bedford Preservation Society, which continues its efforts to protect and preserve properties and landscapes of historic and architectural significance throughout the city.  Continuing programs involve buildings from whaling mansions to triple-deckers and from city parks to shade trees along the most modest city block.

The Preservation Society is a private, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization still run by private citizens who volunteer their time and effort to an annual Holiday House Tour, Spring House and Garden Tour, a Historic Marker Program, the development of self-guided architectural walking tour brochures, an urban landscaping program (New Bedford Re-Leaf), summer walking tours, lectures on local history and historic preservation, and many other programs.