Field Trips to the Fall River Historical Society
Plan a field trip to the Fall River Historical Society, where your students will enjoy a unique cultural experience in our French Second Empire mansion that was once a station on the Underground Railroad. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure features magnificent period interiors that will give students a sense of life during the era when Fall River was a leading textile center.
Designed to make history come alive, our field trips will enhance any curriculum and are geared specifically to students’ age levels. They last approximately one hour and may have up to 30 students, with a least one adult chaperone for every 10 students. All field trips are led by experienced FRHS guides.
The FRHS is committed to offering inquiry-driven programs that support the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies and the Massachusetts State Standards for the visual arts. When possible, we will adapt one of our tours to your interests or develop a custom tour. Contact us at 508-679-1071 ext. 108 to discuss your curricular needs or use our Contact form.
Elementary Schools
A Day at the Museum
Welcome to the Fall River Historical Society! Explore the FRHS and learn the basics of a museum visit. What does a historical society do and why is it important to preserve artifacts from the past? Students will view paintings and objects from “the olden days,” some hands-on, in order to begin to understand the meaning of history and the purpose of a museum.
History through Paintings
Imagine what life was like in the past by viewing landscapes, marine paintings, portraits, and still life in the FRHS collection. Learn the history of these works of art and how to interpret the fascinating and oftentimes hidden stories they have to tell.
Holiday Legends and Lore
Discover fascinating facts behind cherished Christmas traditions and be introduced to others that were once prevalent but are little known today. Learn the origins of the Christmas tree, how Father Christmas became Santa Claus, the legend of the Christmas pickle, the folklore of Krampus, St. Nicholas’s dark companion … and so much more.
This seasonal tour is offered from late November through December and offers students a magical opportunity to see the museum resplendent in its holiday finery.
Scavenger Hunt
A museum is the ideal place to combine history with mystery, learning, and fun. This tour provides students with the opportunity to look deeply into a work and discover details that might otherwise be overlooked. Participants will be given a handout with clues to identify a variety of objects in the museum collection, both in the building and outside on the grounds.
Show and Tell
A captivating look at a wide range of everyday objects from times past that are far from commonplace in today’s world. Learn about the history of these artifacts and take a guess at what their use was. A fun and informative learning experience.
Middle and High Schools
The Borden Murder Mystery: The Truth Behind the Legend
Get the inside scoop on the most famous unsolved case in the annals of American crime, the quintessential whodunit that has captivated the public since August 4, 1892. Separate fact from fancy and learn the truth behind the legend as you view a selection of rare trial exhibits and artifacts, including the alleged murder weapon, that comprise the world’s largest collection pertaining to Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Lizzie A. Borden.
