Phelps Homestead in Simsbury, Connecticut
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Erected by Captain Elisha Phelps
in 1776, who with his brother, Captain
Noah Phelps, and others, was actively engaged
in the capture of Ft. Ticonderoga.
Aftger the death of Captain Phelps,
this old homestead was purchased by his nephew,
Colonel Noah Amherst Phelps, and has since that
time been property of his descendants. It is now
owned by the heirs of the late Jeffrey O. Phelps. (1) |
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The  Simsbury
Historical Society owns and operates The Phelps Homestead,
a museum complex in the heart of Simsbury including:
- Captain Elisha Phelps' House
- One-room Schoolhouse
- Meetinghouse
- Hendrick Cottage
- White Barn
- Victorian Carriage House
- Ice House
- Fuse Manufactory
- Probate Court Building (newly restored)
- Museum Store
- Research Library
The Phelps Homestead is located on on two acres on Hopmeadow
Street, in the center of Simsbury. The Society interprets three
centuries of American history as experienced by the residents
of this New England town.
Visitors can explore the interaction of the European settlers
and the indigenous native-American people; learn about the Farmington
Canal which operated from 1828-1847; attend an 1840 one-room
schoolhouse; see a Victorian carriage house and a replica of
a 1683 meetinghouse; and visit an 18th century house with period
furniture and costumes. Especially interesting is the vaulted
ceiling in the ballroom. Old equipment once used to make fuses
is housed in a modern building.
The 1776 Phelps House was used as a tavern; the Hendricks Cottage
today houses weaving artifacts. There are are hands-on children's
activities and authentic period gardens. Open year round, its
schedule varies by season.
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