Phelps Tavern Museum

The mission of the society is to promote an appreciation of the history of Simsbury, its people, places, and events, and their importance to the region and our country. The society collects, preserves, and interprets significant historical resources for Simsbury residents and visitors so that the past may enrich the future. Three successive generations of 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 boat.

Featured Articles

How the Cherry Blossoms Came to Washington

by Edwin S. Grosvenor

Rarely has the full story been told about how a famed botanist, a pioneering female journalist, and First Lady Helen Taft battled reluctant bureaucrats to bring Japanese cherry trees to Washington.

Reconsidering Jimmy Carter

by Kai Bird

Often thought to have been a weak president, Carter was strong-willed in doing what he thought was right, regardless of expediency or the political fallout.

Bank Failures: As American as Apple Pie

by John Steele Gordon

Why have thousands of U.S. banks failed over the years? The answers are in our history and politics.

“With Malice Toward None”

by Jon Meacham

In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln embodied leading in a time of polarization, political disagreement, and differing understandings of reality.

The Indian World of George Washington

by Colin G. Calloway

Native American peoples and the lands they possessed loomed large for Washington, from his first trips westward as a surveyor to his years as President.

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Phelps Tavern Museum

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

Contact

Fees

41.875909, -72.801393

Phelps Tavern Museum

Featured Sites

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

Contact

Fees

41.875909, -72.801393