Lizzie Borden Roundup
It is October tomorrow and that usually brings the whole Scary Lizzie Borden meme to the forefront. She appears each year as a “street experience” character at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. There are Lizzie Borden Halloween costumes for sale. Even directions online on how to dress as Lizzie Borden. Check out some of the images for yourself on Google images! They are quite creative!
So that brings me to the latest spate of Lizzie Borden mentions and events on the web.
1. Meridith Public Library in Meridith, NH.
Lizzie Borden Took an Axe…or Did she?
Tuesday, October 30, 6:30-8:00PM.
In 1892 Lizzie Borden, a 32 year old single woman, was officially charged with the murder of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The events that followed the murder would stir the curiosity of people across the nation. After four official criminal proceedings, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder. The case is a mystery that has inspired documentaries, television movies, plays, musicals, poems, a scholarly journal, and law school case studies. This presentation is designed to review the facts and explore evidence that some suggest point to Lizzie’s guilt and others say exonerate her. Presented by Annette M. Holba. Sponsored by the NH Humanities Council and the Friends of the Meredith Library. There is no charge for this lecture and refreshments will be served.
2. Goffstown Public Library, Goffstown, NH.
Lizzie Borden Took An Axe, Or Did She?
Tuesday, October 16th at 6:30p.m.
After four official criminal proceedings, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder of her parents. This infamous case is a mystery that has inspired documentaries, movies, and the like. Plymouth State University assistant professor Annette Holba, author of Lizzie Borden Took An Axe, Or Did She?, will join us from the NH Humanities Council to review the facts and explore evidence that some suggest point to Lizzie’s guilt and/or innocence. This program is sponsored by a grant from the NH Humanities Council. Register for this event on Eventkeeper.
3. The Center Meeting House of Newbury, NH.
Lizzie Borden Comes to Newbury
Lizzie Borden took an axe – or DID she?
In 1892 Lizzie Borden, a 32 year old single woman, was officially charged with the murder of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The events that followed the murder would stir the curiosity of people across the nation. After four official criminal proceedings, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder.
The case is a mystery that has inspired documentaries, television movies, plays, musicals, poems, a scholarly journal, and law school case studies. And on Sunday, October 28, you can hear the case and judge for yourself!
Designed to review the facts and explore evidence that some suggest point to Lizzie’s guilt and others say exonerate her, this presentation is given by Annette M. Holba, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Plymouth State University. A former police detective, she is the author of Lizzie Borden Took an Axe or Did She? She has also published widely on communications and on the Lizzie Borden case.
The presentation begins at 2:00pm and runs for an hour. The Town’s Potluck Dinner, being given to unveil the recently unveiled Veterans Hall across the street from the Meeting House, begins immediately after. Come join in the fun, food and festivities!
This event is made possible by the New Hampshire Humanities Council.
4. Lizzie Borden Opera Revival, November, Greenville, NC
Beeson: Lizzie Borden revival
(September 2012)
Beeson’s acclaimed operatic retelling of the infamous and dramatic American tale is performed at Eastern Carolina University
Jack Beeson’s acclaimed 1965 drama, Lizzie Borden, is celebrated as one of the greatest American operas, and is staged anew at Eastern Carolina University. The opera is a gripping tale based on the infamous 19th-century ax-murder mystery, combining fact and myth with intrigue. This new production of the intense dramatic work is presented by the School of Music’s Opera Theater program and takes place November 1, 2 and 4, 2012 in Greenville, North Carolina.
Beeson is often remembered for this particular work, one of ten operas that he composed during his career. The opera, which unfolds over three acts, dramatically recounts the story of Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abbie, who were found brutally hacked to death in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892, a crime unsolved to this day. The title character, their daughter Lizzie, was charged as the main suspect, but later acquitted of the accused murders, only to live out her life in solitude. A nursery rhyme was told for generations to come, mocking Lizzie, immortalizing the tale. The dramatic arc of this family portrait is complemented by an eclectic range of musical styles composed by Beeson, highlighted by passages of chromaticism and atonalism, with uses of early American hymns and folk songs. Beeson’s opera features a libretto by Kenward Elmslie, after a compact scenario by Richard Plant.
Lizzie Borden is recognized as one of the most significant mid-century American operas and unique in that it depicts a purely American story. The work was premiered in 1965 by the New York City Opera and televised in 1967 by the National Education Television network with the original cast, a landmark moment for the arts on television in the United States. A 1996 revival at Glimmerglass Opera was also presented at City Opera in 1999 and broadcast on national television again as part of the “Live from Lincoln Center” series. This new staging at Eastern Carolina University comes after other recent college-level productions, such as a 2008 production at Washington University in St. Louis.
5. Haunted House, Lower East Side, NYC
“NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A haunted house on the Lower East Side is stirring up some controversy as the Halloween season kicks off.
Instead of ghosts and goblins, the attraction instead scares its visitors by putting them in the company of actors playing such great members of the human race as John Wayne Gacy, Jr. and Ted Bundy.
Set to open on Friday, “Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House†is inspired by actual events. The rooms are based on real-life criminals, from Lizzie Borden and Jack the Ripper, to more modern day murderers like Jeffrey Dahmer.
CBS 2′s Cindy Hsu took a tour of the contested spot.
The producer of the haunted house, Timothy Haskell, insists that including real-life serial killers is meant to be nothing but a good scare.
“In no way am I glorifying them or making heroes out of them, they’re not to be liked,†he told Hsu.” Continue reading at the link above.
6. Ocean County Library, NJ.
Axed! Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks!
Point Pleasant Boro Branch
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2 pm
Registration required, begins Oct 8.
Nine Theatricals will reenact this historically-accurate true crime thriller presenting Lizzie, the maid, and several other possible suspects. Learn about the victims and observe the findings at the crime scene. Join in as the audience is polled about who they think took the axe and gave the couple 40 whacks. Did she or didn’t she do it? You decide.
Barnegat Branch
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7 pm
Jackson Branch
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7 pm
Berkeley Branch
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2 pm
Little Egg Harbor Branch
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7 pm
Long Beach Island
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 10 am
7. Lizzie Borden Quilt at ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI.
“My wife’s entry is Lizzie B., an art quilt created in the traditional 19th century “Crazy Quilt” pattern. Lizzie Bordon, arguably one of the craziest 19th century figures, adds to the craziness. You can see Lizzie B. in person at Rockys Bar and Grill, 633 Ottawa NW.”
8. Halloween at Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Mattapoisett, MA
“92 Second Street: The Victorian “Amityville Horror†– Join Tim Weisberg at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 30 at the Mattapoisett Library to explore fascinating paranormal experiences. Whether Lizzie Borden “took an axe†or not, the fact remains that on August 4, 1892, two people were slain at 92 Second Street in Fall River, MA. In the years since this tragedy, many have sought to uncover the clues as to who exactly killed Andrew and Abby Borden on that dreadful day and if Lizzie Borden played a hand in the deaths of her father and stepmother. Now, those who visit the house — which has since become a bed and breakfast — report strange occurrences that have caused many to flee screaming in the middle of the night. Tim Weisberg has experienced such paranormal phenomena first-hand in the Borden house, and whatever spirits reside there, they’ve made it clear to him that they don’t like him poking about in their business.
“In this discussion, Tim will share his personal experiences in his six-plus years of investigating of the Borden house and bring along some of the best evidence. You’ll see strange photographs, intriguing videos and hear what may possibly be the voice of Lizzie Borden herself! Tim will explain the comparisons between the Borden murders and “The Amityville Horror†case, including the psychic who shares a terrifying connection between the Borden and DeFeo murders. This program is intended for teens and adults.
Tim Weisberg is one of the world’s most recognized researchers of the paranormal. He created the Spooky Southcoast radio show along with Matt Costa in late 2005, seeking to combine an entertaining and interactive talk show format with the world of the strange and unexplained. Tim is also the author of Ghosts of the SouthCoast and co-author of Haunted Objects: Stories of Ghosts on Your Shelf, and has been featured on the History Channel, BIO, the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel and LIVING TV. A sports writer by trade, Tim also covers the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots for The Standard-Times.”
9. Press Release: Lizzie Borden Murder Mystery Intrigues Massachusetts Author and Private Investigator
“Fall River, MA, September 25, 2012 –(PR.com)– Peabody, Massachusetts resident & Licensed Private Investigator, Michael A. Coller ventured into ‘the world of the paranormal’ on September 8, 2012 — the eve of his 45th birthday.
“The Lizzie Borden House, better known for the rhyme “Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.†Located at 92 Second St. in Fall River, MA, it has been rated the number one most haunted place in the United States by the Travel Channel according to TripAdvisor.com.
“Armed with state-of-the-art, extrasensory ‘Ghost Hunting’ equipment, this daring investigator secured a reservation in the John Morse room where Lizzie Borden’s stepmother, Abby Borden, was mortally wounded with multiple strikes from a hand axe.
“Prior to checking in for the evening at this well preserved Bed and Breakfast, Michael traveled to the Oak Grove Cemetery which is the grave site of the Borden family, with an investigative assistant. “The setting was a bit unnerving, dusk, a brisk chill, the onset of the foliage season and not another soul in sight,†stated Mr. Coller.
“Although Michael and his team did not detect any solid paranormal activity, he clearly feels that “The Lizzie Borden House is certainly not a place for uneasy or frightened individuals.†After settling in at the Bed and Breakfast then inspecting the Morse Room, Michael remained alert and on guard. “The night remained uneventful and the 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM tour attended by several other guests was entertaining and filled with macabre stories and local lure.†After the tour was completed, the overnight visitors were allowed to roam throughout the house.
“In closing, the investigator stated that even though Lizzie was acquitted of the heinous acts committed in 1892, careful review of the evidence and having knowledge of the investigative techniques during that era, his team believes that the probability Lizzie committed the murders is extremely high.
“Asked if he felt the Lizzie Borden House was haunted, he responded “I would never challenge anyone one if they said it was haunted. A place that has had such horrific acts committed inside surely has negative energy.†When faced with the question of how he rested that evening, Mr. Coller answered “It was the best night of sleep I had in months!†For more about Private Investigator Michael A. Coller visit www.michaelcoller.com.”