Fall River Historical Society

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Fall River Historical Society Fall River Historical Society maintains the world’s largest collection of Lizzie Borden artifacts and
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Founded in 1921, Fall River Historical Society (FRHS), the oldest cultural institution in Fall River, Massachusetts, is dedicated to preserving the history of Fall River and sharing it with the public. We maintain significant collections of costumes and accessories, decorative arts, furniture, ephemera, photographs, paintings, drawings, sculpture, and manuscripts. We also have distinguished maritime and Fall River textile industry collections. The museum is housed in a French Second Empire mansion that was once a station on the Underground Railroad. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure features a magnificent period interior, while our beautiful grounds with Victorian gardens provide a memorable venue for functions such as weddings and cocktail parties and for special events. Our exhibits include the world’s largest collection of artifacts pertaining to the life and trial of Lizzie Borden, and the FRHS curators are recognized as leading Borden case authorities. Our distinctions also include The Charlton Library of Fall River History, a first-rate Museum Shop & Boutique, our annual Holiday Open House, and Easton Tea Room, a popular spot for social events and meetings. To promote public understanding of Fall River history, we stage exhibits, host lecture series, and partner with the city and other organizations to present events for the benefit of the community. We are a leading provider of cultural and family-friendly events such as plays, concerts, and festivals.

Cherry & Webb Company, “Women’s, Misses’, Junior Misses’, Girls’, Children’s, Infants’ and Junior Boys’ Wear,” 139-149 S...
10/23/2026

Cherry & Webb Company, “Women’s, Misses’, Junior Misses’, Girls’, Children’s, Infants’ and Junior Boys’ Wear,” 139-149 South Main Street, Fall River, 1940s. The company also sold accessories and shoes, and featured a beauty salon, a photography studio, and fur storage vaults. It was noted for offering “the high end of lady’s apparel” in addition to more affordably-priced merchandise. The ever-popular W. T. Grant Company, at 149 South Main Street, occupied the lower southern portion of the building.

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

The Central Police Station, Court Square, Fall River, Massachusetts, 1915; the department operated from this location fr...
10/22/2026

The Central Police Station, Court Square, Fall River, Massachusetts, 1915; the department operated from this location from 1857 until the year this photograph was taken.

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

The Eagle Restaurant, 33 North Main Street, Fall River, 1933; noted Fall River architect Maud Frances (Darling) Parlin ...
10/19/2026

The Eagle Restaurant, 33 North Main Street, Fall River, 1933; noted Fall River architect Maud Frances (Darling) Parlin (1884-1979), designed the interior of the restaurant “to replicate the elegant dining rooms of the opulent Fall River Line steamships.”

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

The exterior of the R. A. McWhirr Company, 165-193 South Main Street, Fall River, as it appeared in the 1920s; the iconi...
10/15/2026

The exterior of the R. A. McWhirr Company, 165-193 South Main Street, Fall River, as it appeared in the 1920s; the iconic department store was housed in the Mills Building, named for the store’s president, Asa Adam Mills (1864-1941).

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

The Hub Clothing Company, 162 Pleasant Street, Fall River, 1928; the city’s many men’s clothing stores featured “a wide ...
10/14/2026

The Hub Clothing Company, 162 Pleasant Street, Fall River, 1928; the city’s many men’s clothing stores featured “a wide array of sartorial options,” with The Hub being one of the more upscale emporiums.

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

South Main Street, Fall River, looking north toward City Hall, 1959; “There was much pedestrian traffic and serendipitou...
10/09/2026

South Main Street, Fall River, looking north toward City Hall, 1959; “There was much pedestrian traffic and serendipitous connections on the sidewalks.”

From "Granite, Grit, and Grace: An Exploration of the Fascinating Side Streets of Fall River's History," by William A. Moniz, Fall River Historical Society Press, 2017.

https://fallriverhistorical.org/product/book-frhs-press-granite-grit-and-grace/

Address

451 Rock Street
Fall River, MA
02720

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

(508) 679-1071

Website

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