Boston Public Library: Swoonsville USA

Okay, I know. The BPL isn't a museum but in my own realm of reality, it is. I find this museum to be extraordinary. The frescos, the paintings, the small but unique exhibits that fill the grand rooms of the library really bring out a strange charm to the building.

I can only imagine studying there. Actually, this past week, I had the chance. I first visited this museum in late February. My friend and I strolled through the rooms in awe. I can honestly say I didn't know it existed. I come from a small town with a library built in the 1800s that houses probably just under 1000 books all which were probably published prior to 1990. Anyway, my first experience at the BPL was pleasurable and opened my eyes to the world of wonderful libraries.

Prior to a job interview down the street from the BPL this week, I sat in the library and read and really read an article for my class. I enjoyed the humble silence coupled with the white noise of people strolling by. I wish all libraries where like this. They are magical places. The hold so much knowledge and power. It makes me sad to think of all the things going digital now. There is no better feeling that grasping a book to your chest and curling up for a good read. I do not think books will ever go away but I wish there were more of them around.

Boston Public Library....you are wonderful.

Fall River Historical Society: A Gem in a Dying City

The Fall River Historical Society Museum hides in the quiet yet picturesque Highlands section of Fall River, Massachusetts. Once one of the most highly industrialized city in the 1800s, Fall River now lives among the forgotten urban wonders in the state. This Victorian Mansion with lush gardens fit for a king holds many secrets and stories of Fall River's tawdry and noble past.

All guests go on tours with a very knowledgeable and rehearsed tour guide. The guides can answer any question you may have and then some. I learned so much about drape puddling, I could write a nice report. The guides lead groups around the house and lecture about almost every piece in each room. Now, the Society houses some of the most beautiful and creepy artifacts that I have ever seen. Some of the highlights include arced doors in the dining room, period clothing and more importantly evidence from the Lizzie Borden trail. Yes, evidence, stuff that was shown in court. Ewww.....

The lectures and artifacts serve as brief history lessons on Fall River's most notorious time period. To be honest, the lectures are a bit long, but very interesting. You have to really enjoy history to want to sit/stand through them. The shear beauty of the house make up for the lengthy lectures. Portraits line the elegantly painted walls and hand made furniture and trinkets fill each room. You realize the amount of money that existed in in Fall River at that time. It is extraordinary and sad all at the same time.

Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside but the visions you see will last a lifetime. I really cannot go into too much detail because it will spoil the visit but gold plated ceiling drawings, locks of Lizzie Borden's mother's hair, blood spattered pillow cases make an appearance. Also, although the tour is long, the museum is not that spacious. It is just two floors which consists of a substantial gift shop, 3 rooms on the lower level and a larger upstairs area that houses period clothing, a bedroom, a bath and an exhibit under construction. I can't give it all away. You need to see it for yourself. (Creepy infant coffins anyone....?)

During the holidays, the Society celebrates Victorian Christmas Festivities. They also open the adjacent building as the Easton Tea Room and guests are treated to a traditional tea. This space can also be rented out for private parties.

This museum is something you have to see to believe. I still cannot wrap my head around it existing in mangy Fall River but it does and it makes me happy. I see now why older Fall River natives love the city so much. They see its greatest through its squalor.

That's me pretending to be Victorian, but I am showing far to much skin.

Masschusetts' Museum Musings

Greetings.

I would like this first entry to introduce myself and what this blog is all about.

I am a professional writing grad student and a museum fanatic. Yes, I am a museum groupie (that's me over there adoring the Degas painting). I love them. If I could live in one, I would. I wish I had the forethought to major in Art History and English when I was in undergrad but alas. Now, I adore/review museums. This blog will discuss my museum adventures: past, present and future. It will contain a few typos here and there, a lot of comedy and a lot of images.

I spent a good portion of this summer (Summer 2009) traveling around Massachusetts visiting various museums. I also ventured to D.C. and did the same. I will update this blog often with tons of images. Well, as often as graduate school allows and as often as I feel I can be effective.

I will even link you to the museums I visited so you can see how and why I chose to go there, of course, I will not be that objective. Plus, I can't give directions and most museum sites give wonderful directions to prospective visitors. Also, you can see new exhibits and maybe tell me if I should return to the museums.

I have my favorites and I am not afraid of sharing them. Ahem, there will be a long and glowing review of the RISD museum in Providence, RI. I cannot get enough of their art and layout.

I hope to see this pet project grow as I visit more and more museums.

Adieu!