Capt. Elisha Phelps House

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article may need to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.
Please help improve this article, especially its introduction, section layout, and relevant internal links. (help)

The Phelps Homestead was originally erected by Captain Elisha Phelps in 1776, who with his brother, Captain Noah Phelps, and others, were instrumental in providing intelligence that allowed the Green Mountain Boys to capture Fort Ticonderoga during the Revoution.

After the death of Captain Phelps, this old homestead was purchased by his nephew, Colonel Noah Amherst Phelps, and until 1962 was the property of his descendants, including Jeffrey O. Phelps. It is now owned and operated by Simsbury Historical Society.

The Phelps Homestead is located on on two acres on Hopmeadow Street, in the center of Simsbury, Connecticut. The museum complex includes:

Captain Elisha Phelps' House
One-room schoolhouse
Meetinghouse
Hendrick Cottage
White Barn
Victorian Carriage House
Ice House
Fuse Manufactory
Probate Court Building
Museum Store
Research Library

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 hands-on children's activities and authentic period gardens. Open year round, its schedule varies by season.