Phelps Tavern Museum/a> is dedicated to highlighting the history of Simsbury, its people, places, and events by collecting, preserving, and interpreting significant historical resources. The museum is based in the Phelps house and tavern, which was built for Elisha Phelps in 1771 and subsequently owned by five generations of the Phelps family for nearly two hundred years. During these years the house and tavern had several roles, ranging from a family home and canal hotel to an entertainment hall, a lodge meeting site, and local saloon.
Jeffery Phelps purchased the property in 1820 and ran the tavern for 29 years before closing the business in 1849 to devote himself to agriculture and other interests. The building was restored to its former glory and gifted to the Simsbury Historical Society in 1962 and converted into a museum.
Simsbury Historical Society, 800 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070, Phone: 860-658-2500
