The Phelps Tavern Museum: The Entertainment
of Strangers uses period rooms and interactive exhibition galleries to
interpret the use of the historic Capt. Elisha Phelps house as an inn from 1786
to 1849.Three successive generations of
the Phelps tavernkeepers are chronicled along with the social history of
taverns in New England. From Masonic meetings
to ordination balls, the Phelps Tavern hosted townspeople and travelers who
arrived by horse, stagecoach and canal.
The
Phelps Tavern Museum is part of a two-acre complex, owned and operated by The
Simsbury Historical Society which includes a museum store, research archives
and award winning period gardens to highlight the visitor's experience. Group
and school tours are offered by appointment
The
museum is open year-round Tuesday through Saturday from 12 noon to 4 PM except
holidays. Walk-in tours are given at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 PM. Admission fee. Not handicapped
accessible.
For
information or to arrange group tours call 860 658-2500.
