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 travel journal that toured Europe in the hands of Lizzie Borden in 1890.
But there is no guide or model from the past that can help determine the uncertain future faced by the keeper of Fall River's history during the COVID-19 pandemic, or how technology might shape the very near future for the non-profit museum.
“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 this.”
In early April, the Historical Society would have opened from its winter hiatus for tours, and with plans for a summer concert series, lectures, book signings, and a sale in the Museum Shop to make space for new merchandise for the Christmas season.
But the mansion and shop are closed until re-openings are allowed in phases in Massachusetts.
Martins said it will be difficult to re-open with social distancing guidelines, masks, and gathering sizes.
“The rooms here are not huge rooms,” he said. “It makes it more difficult.”
Step Back in Time
The sprawling 12-room house is spread over three floors and more than 8,000 square feet. But many of the rooms are made smaller by retail merchandise, or rendered inaccessible by velvet rope barriers placed to protect artifacts from human hands.
The mansion dates to 1843. It was built on a two-acre piece of land on Columbia 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 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 age” that makes them more vulnerable to the coronavirus.
So far, Martins said the popular concert series, traditionally held in its Victorian gardens, has been cancelled. He said each concert brings out roughly 450 people – a group too large in pandemic times, even if it is held outdoors.
The lecture series will likely be held online. There may be other online exhibits too.
The release of a new book, The History of the Textile Industry of Fall River, will be postponed. Martins said the Society may take advance orders and offer curbside pickup.
“We’re playing it a week at a time,” he said. “It’s tricky.”
Preventative Measures
The ultimate challenge if the virus persists will be the annual holiday open house that runs from before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, as well as the donations and retail sales it brings to the society.
Visitors tour the house for a nostalgic feeling of Christmas past. The house is lavishly decorated with multiple Christmas trees and garlands spread among the antiquities. The Museum Shop is filled with candies and jams, winter scarves and hats, jewelry, ornaments, and unique giftware.
Nextdoor, the society’s Easton Tea Room serves up high tea, complete with finger sandwiches and scones, to its chilly diners.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of people come in per day during the Christmas season,” Martins said.
A decline in holiday revelers and shoppers could mean less money for the Historical Society.
“It’s really what keeps us going for a big part of the year,” Martins said. “Last year, the Historical Society had a wonderful year. We had big plans going into 2020. We’ve had to regroup and rethink and try to make it work.”
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.
