History
Fall River Historical Society was founded by a group of individuals intent on preserving the history of Fall River, once an important textile center with the distinction of being the world's largest producer of cotton cloth. The Society was originally housed in rented rooms in the Buffington Building, a commercial structure that was destroyed by fire in 1928. At that time, the majority of the collection acquired by the organization was lost, save a few important artifacts. The organization found a permanent home in 1935 when David Anthony Brayton (1900 - 1975), scion of a prominent city family, donated the residence of his late aunt, Elizabeth Hitchcock Brayton (1865 - 1935). Remarkable for its fine state of preservation, the structure, once a station on the Underground Railroad, is the only intact example of the mansions built by the affluent mill owners during the period of Fall River's greatest prosperity.
Specialties
Fall River Historical Society (FRHS), the oldest cultural institution in Fall River, Massachusetts, is housed in a French Second Empire mansion that was once an Underground Railroad station. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure features a magnificent period interior, while our beautiful grounds with Victorian gardens provide a lush and memorable venue for functions such as weddings and cocktail parties. Our exhibits include the largest existing collection of artifacts pertaining to the Borden murder mystery case - among them the alleged murder weapon and original crime scene photos - and the FRHS curators are recognized as the top Lizzie Borden experts in the world. Our distinctions also include our first-rate Museum Gift Shop, The Charlton Library of Fall River History, our annual Holiday Open House, and Easton Tea Room, a popular spot for parties, showers, meetings, and children's events.