Saving society

Curator Michael Martins knows the provenance of every artifact on display at the Fall River Historical Society – from the 1870s hairpins in their decorative pasteboard box to the

Deborah

AllardDion travel journal that toured Europe in the hands of Lizzie Borden in 1890.

But there is no guide or model from until re-openings are allowed in phases in the past that can help determine the Massachusetts. uncertain future faced by the keeper of Martins said it will be difficult to Fall River’s history during the COVID-19 re-open with social distancing guidelines, pandemic, or how technology might masks, and gathering sizes. shape the very near future for the non“The rooms here are not huge rooms,” he profit museum. said. “It makes it more difficult.”

“It’s definitely going to be a difficult year for us,” Martins said. “I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how we’re going to get through

Stepbackin time

In early April, the Historical Society square feet. But many of the rooms are would have opened from its winter hiatus made smaller by retail merchandise, for tours, and with plans for a summer or rendered inaccessible by velvet rope concert series, lectures, book signings, barriers placed to protect artifacts from and a sale in the Museum Shop to make human hands. space for new merchandise for the The mansion dates to 1843. It was built Christmas season. on a two-acre piece of land on Columbia

But the mansion and shop are closed Street – a wedding gift from Andrew Robeson to his son and daughter-in-law. In the 1850s, it became a stop on the Underground Railroad where slaves were invited through a false bookcase (that still exists) and hidden in the wine cellar.

The sprawling 12-room house is spread this.” over three floors and more than 8,000

The house was moved to 451 Rock Street in 1869 and founded as the Fall River Historical Society in 1921. Besides historic furniture and household items from Fall River families, it houses the largest-known collection of Lizzie Borden memorabilia.

That collection of memorabilia, along with its superb period architecture, makes the museum a highly visited destination around the anniversary of the Borden murders each August. But, Martins is unsure how guided tours of the Borden room, as well as the other rooms, will be conducted.

“We’ll have to do small groups,” he said. “Maybe by appointment with walk-ins as space allows.”

The lack of air conditioning in the historic structure will be a burden for masked guides and visitors when the summer heats up.

Another obstacle is that many of the

volunteer tour guides are “of a certain Visitors tour the house for a nostalgic age” that makes them more vulnerable to feeling of Christmas past. The house is the coronavirus. lavishly decorated with multiple Christ

So far, Martins said the popular concert mas trees and garlands spread among series, traditionally the antiquities. The held in its Victorian Museum Shop is gardens, has been cancelled. He said each concert brings out roughly 450

We had big plans going into

“filled with candies and jams, winter scarves and hats, jewelry, ornaments, people – a group too large in pandemic 2020. We’ve had and unique giftware. times, even if it is held outdoors. to regroup and Nextdoor, the society’s Easton Tea The lecture series will likely be held rethink and Room serves up high tea, complete online. There may be other online exhibits too.

The release of a new book, The His

try to make

it work. “ with finger sandwiches and scones, to its chilly diners.

“We’re playing it a week at a time,” he Historical Society. said. “It’s tricky.” “It’s really what keeps us going for a big

“We have hundreds and hundreds tory of the Textile of people come in Industry of Fall per day during the River, will be postponed. Martins said the Christmas season,” Martins said. Society may take advance orders and offer A decline in holiday revelers and curbside pickup. shoppers could mean less money for the

Preventativemeasures

The ultimate challenge if the virus part of the year,” Martins said. “Last year, the Historical Society had a wonderful persists will be the annual holiday open house that runs from before Thanksgivyear. We had big plans going into 2020. We’ve had to regroup and rethink and try ing to New Year’s Eve, as well as the to make it work.” donations and retail sales it brings to the society.

To battle the unknown, the society has applied for a paycheck protection loan for its three full-time and one part-time employees. Martins said he’s also been seeking grants, and hopes for donations.

Despite the troubles brought on by COVID-19, Martins said the society will try hard to make it work this year.

“We’re going to figure out what we can do to raise some funds,” Martins said. “All is not lost. Adaptability is going to be key.”

To learn more about the Fall River Historical Society, become a member, or view its holdings, visit online at lizzieborden. org. Donations can be made to the Fall River Historical Society, 451 Rock Street, Fall River, MA 02720. For information, call 508-679-1071.

Lookingfortheperfectgiftfora booklover? Checkoutthearr ayof book-themeditemsin thegiftshop.

Debor ah All ard Dion is a native of Fall River and a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Bristol Community College, and Bryant University. She is a writer, Realtor, and animal lover. Connect at Debs251@ gmail.com or on social media.

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