The Haunted Millicent Library
The Lizzie Borden murders remain one of the most chilling and infamous crimes of 19th-century New England. But there are many other stories connected to this tale that cast a dark shadow over the community of Fall Springs and the surrounding areas in Massachusetts, including Fairhaven, home of the haunted Millicent Library.
Are you on a mission to learn about the historic haunted history of New England? Then book your stay at the Lizzie Borden House for the full frightening experience. Immerse yourself in the dark history of the Borden murders while staying in one of the themed guest rooms at our eccentric bed and breakfast. And during your stay, don’t forget to schedule a ghost tour with us here at U.S. Ghost Adventures.
Is the Millicent Library Haunted?
The Millicent Library, located in Fairhaven, is believed to be haunted by its namesake, Millicent Rogers. While there are many skeptics who will dismiss the claims of the legend, the more you learn about the rumors surrounding this historic library, the more the suspicious tales of ghostly encounters begin to make sense.
Who Was Millicent Rogers?
Millicent Rogers was the daughter of the oil tycoon and millionaire H.H. (Henry) Rogers. The Rogers family would often visit the small town of Fairhaven, where Henry grew up.
He was a generous benefactor of the town, always giving back to the community. Millicent, along with her sisters and younger brother, enjoyed many annual summer vacations and weekend retreats in Fairhaven all throughout their childhood.
Millicent loved drawing and poetry. She was very well-read, always getting lost in a good book.
During one of their visits to Fairhaven, she told her father that she believed the town could benefit from having a good library. Henry agreed with her suggestion, but unfortunately, Millicent never got to see the beautiful contribution to Fairhaven that she inspired.
In 1890, when Millicent was only seventeen years old, she died from heart failure. In an effort to respectfully honor his beloved daughter’s memory, Rogers made plans to build the library Millicent dreamed about. A ceremony was held to dedicate the library to the town of Fairhaven on January 30th, 1893, and it was revealed that the building would be named the Millicent Library in her honor.
The library was designed by Charles Brigham and features an enchanting Richardson Romanesque style that is still admired today by locals and tourists alike.
Ghostly Encounters at the Millicent Library
According to the lore, the spirit of Millicent Rogers and several other entities haunt the Fairhaven library. It has been said that late at night, if you are outside the building, you can see her glaring down at you from the tower.
While there are many skeptics who dismiss the idea of the historic building being haunted, when you learn more about the rumors surrounding young Millicent’s memorial services, the lore begins to make more sense.
Millicent Rogers’ Final Resting Place
One of the rumors about the haunted library is that Millicent was buried underneath the foundation, and that’s why she haunts the building that was erected in her honor. While there are many who refuse to believe a prestigious family like the Rogers would choose such an unusual place to bury their loved one, those who believe the legend say the choice of burial site was a way for her family to fulfill Millicent’s final wishes, allowing her to be a part of the library forever.
The idea that Millicent is buried underneath the library possibly came from the fact that the ceremony held when the building was dedicated to the town of Fairhaven was not a public affair. Only the Rogers family and a local clergyman, Reverend J.M. Leighton, attended the site on September 21st, 1891. It has been said that before the reverend led the family in prayer, Millicent’s younger brother Harry laid the cornerstone for the building in place.
An Unusually Quiet Ceremony
Unlike other ceremonies where townsfolk celebrate the start of a new building, the ceremony for the library was a very quiet and solemn event. The dismal mood may have been because the library was a tribute to Millicent. However, some believe that the ceremony actually doubled as Millicent’s funeral.
To add to the theory, when the library was built, a large stained-glass window was installed directly above the cornerstone where Millicent is supposedly buried. The window features etchings of a young girl with a likeness to Millicent, depicting the muse of poetry. Above her is an etching of William Shakespeare, who was her favorite author.
Along with the spirit of Millicent Rogers, visitors to the library have reported seeing other ghosts roaming the aisles. It has been said that if you turn on the light in the restroom in the basement, someone will abruptly turn it off. Some believe this is done by the spirit of a former janitor, who slipped and fell while working one night, breaking his neck.
The ghost of a man dressed in a coat and bold purple bowtie has also been seen lurking around the basement; some believe he is a former janitor as well.
In the upstairs portion of the library, there is a room known as The China Room. Inside, old painted portraits cover the walls, and beautiful antique Chinese collectibles are on display. According to the legend, if you talk to the paintings, the facial expressions of the portraits will start to change. The faces appear to be three-dimensional at times, almost as if they are sticking out from the canvas.
Stay at the Haunted Lizzie Borden House
The Lizzie Borden House is the best bed and breakfast for anyone who enjoys a good ghost story. Known as one of the most infamous haunted houses in U.S. history, the property is open daily from 10 am to midnight and features a museum and a variety of experiences for guests to take part in. Learn all about the horrifying past of Lizzie Borden with a house tour or by participating in a chilling ghost hunt.
And while you are in town, be sure to schedule a ghost tour with us here at U.S. Ghost Adventures.
Don’t forget to check out our blog for a deep dive into the dark history of Lizzie Borden and the most haunted places in New England. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more stories about top places to visit throughout the country if you want to experience a true ghostly encounter.
Sources:
- https://millicentlibrary.org/library-history
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsu2Jbw1qCI
- https://millicentlibrary.org/about-library
- https://libguides.bristolcc.edu/c.php?g=474198&p=5283591
