The Entertainment of Strangers

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. Tours are given at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 PM. Admission fee. Not handicapped accessible.