The Fall River Historical Society's collection is in danger. Here's how they're saving it.

FALL RIVER — After 180 years, even the sturdiest house needs a little work.

The Fall River Historical Society’s granite mansion at 451 Rock St. is having major renovations with the installation of a modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to protect its priceless collection of artifacts, including evidence from the Lizzie Borden trial — leaving much of the building, including its library and all exhibits, off limits to visitors for several months at least.

"We knew that it was inevitable," said Michael Martins, curator of the Historical Society. "We knew that the collections were deteriorating, and it was going to be a very involved project. ... But it was a long time coming."

But the museum shop is still open for the time being, with books of Fall River history, jewelry, gifts, clothing, tea, candy and more for sale.

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Why does the Fall River Historical Society need this work done?

For a museum that houses irreplaceable objects of history, its HVAC system is not up to snuff. Many components date to the 19th century.

“Of a total of 25 radiators in the building, only 10 are currently functional and, of those, three are leaking,” states a message in the society’s newsletter.

Martins said the upper floors are not climate-controlled — the third floor has no air conditioning or heat at all, and the second has only two working radiators. Humidity and temperature variations are harming the museum’s collections, Martins said. It's a critical need.

"The installation is difficult because there are so many original features remaining in situ in the building," Martins said. "And it isn’t as if someone can come in, as they would with new construction, and … blast the walls open. This is going to be so much more involved than that."

In fact, this is the largest infrastructure project in the society's 102-year-history — perhaps the most extensive work done to the granite mansion since it was dismantled from its original Columbia Street location in 1870 and reassembled stone-by-stone in the Highlands.

The museum is working with Ann and Michael Keane of Civitects, a Fall River firm, to design and oversee the project. It's being funded by a grant by the Manton Foundation, a charitable group that donates to several causes including New England research and preservation.

"This is really a game-changer for us, the fact that the Manton Foundation gave us this opportunity," Martins said, "because it’s completely transformative."

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What’s in the museum’s collection?

Too much to list here. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of primary source material from the Lizzie Borden trial, including forensic evidence and even the alleged murder weapon — the Historical Society is a landmark for researchers into that case.

Beyond that, the Historical Society also maintains collections of furniture, rare records from the city’s textile mills, paintings, photographs, manuscripts, clothing including “several thousand garments and accessories dating from the 18th century to the mid-20th century,” maps, postcards, and much more.

All of that has to be packed up and preserved during the work. "Every picture has to come off the wall," Martins said. "Every chandelier has to be covered. Every lighting fixture has to be covered. Every piece of china has to be packed. ... We cannot have any uncertainty as to what might happen to some of the items. We want to make sure everything is protected."

Beyond the objects of historical significance inside, Martins said, "The structure itself is an artifact because it’s so well-preserved."

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Can I still use the Historical Society’s library and archives?

No. The society has an extensive records archive, and for a fee the Historical Society’s staff can conduct research for you — but with the HVAC installation ongoing, all that is on hold.

How long is all this expected to take?

From now through December. With staff occupied packing and protecting the museum's valuables, “It will be impossible to conduct some popular events” including concerts and its Victorian Christmas, according to the society's newsletter.

You mean Christmas is canceled? Again?

Yes. The Historical Society, known for its elaborate and beautiful Victorian Christmas displays, had to put the kibosh on its Christmas tours in 2022 due to renovations, including the addition of its new Douglas Hills Borden Jr. and Joan Louise Borden Gallery, a collection of local art which is scheduled to open in spring 2024.

In 2020 and 2021, the COVID pandemic meant their Victorian Christmas house tours didn't happen then, either.

With the HVAC installation expected to last through December, another blue Christmas is expected.

"In order to have contractors working in the building, we have to make sure everything is packed up and moved, that they have the space that they need," Martins said. "And we certainly cannot do that and Christmas trees at the same time."

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Can I still shop at the Historical Society store?

Yes. The museum shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum also has a newly redesigned website, fallriverhistorical.org, with information on all its collections. It includes an online shop where you can find gifts and several books of history published by the Fall River Historical Society Press, including nonfiction pertaining to the Lizzie Borden case and works of Fall River history, including “Women at Work” and “A River and Its City,” the latter by the late Alfred J. Lima.

"We will be back," Martins said. "The Historical Society in its 102nd year. We were not able to celebrate our 100th because of COVID. So going into a new century, at least we can do that knowing that the collections will be preserved going forward and we’re going to have the proper environment to care for those collections. And that’s imperative — it's essential."

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Lizzie Borden collection in danger of deterioration; fix is underway