August = Lizzie Borden

Deb Allard of the Fall River Herald News has published a handy guide for the Lizzie Borden goings on for August. The highlights include tours, exhibits, theatre, and lectures.

By Deborah Allard
Herald News Staff Reporter
Posted Aug 11, 2010 @ 02:45 PM
FALL RIVER —
Anyone who loves the mystery of the Borden murders invariably loves the month of August. This year’s 118th anniversary was no different. It brought Lizzie revelers from all over to see the annual reenactment at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast and the new Bordenabilia exhibit at the Fall River Historical Society.

Anyone who missed out on those great Borden bites, needn’t fear — Lizzie doesn’t sleep (her fans won’t let her).

FALL RIVER
The Fall River Historical Society, 451 Rock St., will continue its Bordenabilia exhibit until Oct. 15.

On exhibit is the blood-stained bedspread and pillow shams from the Borden guest bedroom displayed unfolded and on a bed for the first time since the Aug. 4, 1892 murders of Lizzie Borden’s father and step-mother Andrew and Abby Borden. Also displayed are Abby’s braid, Abby’s dusting cap, a cape owned either by Lizzie or her sister Emma, a cape owned by Lizzie and Emma’s birth mother in the 1850s, original trial exhibit photographs, a scrapbook kept by Lizzie’s attorney, selections from The Knowlton Papers, other evidence in the hip-bath collection, selections from the unpublished Rufus Hilliard papers, personal letters, photographs, books, case evidence, correspondence and other possessions of the Borden family, including silver goblets emblazoned with a “B” that belonged to Abby and Andrew Borden.

Hours are Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 which includes a tour of the Victorian granite mansion. Photos are not allowed. For information call 508-679-1071 or visit www.lizzieborden.org.

The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, 92 Second St., the site of the actual Borden murders, is open for tours throughout the year. Visitors can view where Andrew and Abby were murdered, and step inside Lizzie Borden’s bedroom.

Tours are offered daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the hour. Tour prices are $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students with ID, and $5 for children ages 15 and under. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Photos are allowed in the house. For information, call 508-675-7333 or visit www.lizzie-borden.com.

MARION
“Lizzie Borden: The Mystery Continues” will be offered at the Sippican Historical Society on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. at Marion’s Music Hall.

The event will feature a one-hour retelling of the infamous Borden murders by Christopher Daley, a Kingston history teacher who has researched the Borden case extensively.

Lizzie Borden had ties to the town of Marion and was planning to go fishing there the week after the murders at a friend’s home. On the day of the murder of her father and step-mother, she told police she was in the barn looking for lead to make her own fishing sinkers.

The event is free. Donations are welcome and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Sippican Historical Society at 508-748-1116 or visit www.sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

NEW YORK
The Blue Coyote Theater Group will present the world premiere of David Foley’s Nance O’Neil, directed by Gary Shrader.

Nance O’Neil was an actress friend of Lizzie Borden. David Foley’s Nance O’Neil, imaginatively elaborated from a historical footnote, examines the fascinating relationship between these two women. Were they in love? Or were there other motivations at play?

The relationship between Nance O’Neil and Lizzie Borden has been rife with speculation. As a spinster, Lizzie’s sexuality has always been in question. With rumors of Nance’s numerous affairs with other women, some high profile, several historians and researchers have speculated that Nance and Lizzie were indeed lovers. However, historically this remains as elusive as Mr. and Mrs. Borden’s killer.

Nance O’Neil begins Wed. Sept. 8 for a limited engagement through Sat. Oct., 9. Opening Night is Wed. Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.

The performance schedule is Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. Performances are at the Access Theater, 380 Broadway, just north of White Street. Tickets are $25 ($15 during previews) and are available by calling SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com.