Although Lizzie was ultimately acquitted of both murders, the heavily publicized trial left many unanswered questions, and has prompted a number of plays, musical, television documentaries and even an opera on the subject. On display are 10,000 artifacts including the handle-less hatchet that was alleged to be the murder weapon, Lizzie's prison lunch pail where gourmet meals were brought to her from a local hotel, and the Billy club carried by her arresting officer. Gore-seekers can view photographs of Abby and Andrew Borden's crushed skulls, bloody hair samples from both victims and the pillow sham taken from Abby's bedroom, where her murder took place. While the displays are interesting, the building is also a gem. The stone house has unique period furnishings.
Cupboards line the rounded walls.
The house was a private residence until 1935, owned by the family who began Durfee Mills. The Society is open weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and seasonal weekends. The Highlands are located only a few blocks from Fall River's downtown area. Though the major department stores are gone, there are still plenty of smaller stores, and an assortment of ethnic eateries. Twelve years ago, her father built her and her husband Bernard a house three doors down from the one she grew up in.