I was saddened to hear that the Lizzie Borden Conference scheduled for next August (2008) was cancelled. Not only because it was going to be the first big official get together for Lizzie Borden aficionados since the 100th anniversary conference in 1992, but because the brains and creativity behind this event really wanted it to happen and deserved a happier outcome.
If you have never met Shelley Dziedzic, you have not yet lived Lizzie. Shelley is one of those rare individuals who really cares about the experience people have when they visit Fall River to further study the case. Yes, she works at the Lizzie Borden B&B, but she also goes above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis! Last week she took a day off of work to give three Lizzie Borden visitors a tour of Lizzie hotspots in Fall River. She wants everyone to enjoy their stay and get the most out of what little time they have in town. And all this from a person who lives in another state!
Shelley is a writer, historian, actress (in her time playing both Lizzie and Abby in the re-enactments at 92 Second Street on the 4th of August), wardrobe mistress, social director, textile expert, and I hear can even sing a mean tune. I find her of another time and place, a Victorian to the core. And I wish I knew where she gets her energy. Bottle that and you have found the fountain of youth.
Do I sound like a fan of hers? Yes I am. And the very day that the conference was cancelled, I had interviewed her for this blog to help promote the event. She was upbeat and positive and raring to go. And then the bottom dropped out when she lost her co-chair—-she couldn’t go on alone with all this planning and organizing to do—no one could. So she made the tough decision to stop now, while the planning was still in its initial stages.
I applaud her dream and know that if she could have made it happen she would have. That is the kind of gal she is.
So next time you are in Fall River stop by 92 Second Street and ask for Shell. You will be glad you did.
By the way, don’t forget to read her blog titled Warps and Wefts. She has some news in there you can’t get anywhere else, and some really kewl photos of the mantles at Maplecroft!
