Ucoming Events
Saturday , July 11 “ Country Lawyer’s Office”
Open Hours 1-4 PM
Step back into time and learn a bit about the Country Lawyers of Phelps. For over 150 years, Phelps lawyers practiced in the little red building on 7 Church Street. Made famous by the 1939 book by Bellamy Partridge, lawyers hung their hat from 1840s to 1990s in this office. When you’re done, stop by the home of Dr. Howe, a Country Doctor at 66 Main St.
Wednesday , July 22 “Backyard Adventures in Phelps with
Historian, Don Tiffany ”
10AM to 2 PM. Hop on a local bus and take a ride around Town with the Historian, Don Tiffany. Featuring information and presentations about local one-room school houses and mills, learn a bit more about the places you pass everyday. Small fee ($15 members/$20 non member) & lunch. Presented by Phelps Historical Society. To register call 315.548.4940, email histsoc@fltg.net or go to www.phelpsny.com/history
Saturday, August 1 “Walking Tour of Historic Phelps” FREE. 10:30 AM
Take a 2-hour walking excursion in this enchanting downtown featuring 5 buildings on the National Historic Register. Meet at The Howe House on the Front Porch, 66 Main Street, Phelps NY. Presented by Phelps Historical Society.
Saturday, August 1 Howe House & Country Lawyers Office
Open House. Free. 10 AM- 2 PM
Join us for this open house at the Howe House located at 66 Main St. Guided tours of the Country Lawyers Office on 7 Church St in Phelps will be given at 11 AM and 1 PM . Both properties are on the National Historic Register and have architectural and historic attribute.
About Us
Phelps Community Historical Society (PCHS) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the study of life in greater Phelps and presents its history (past & present) in a variety of public programs and exhibits. We acquire and preserve objects and recorded information concerning the Town and Village of Phelps and have being doing so since 1969.
PCHS interprets life in Phelps through its museum and exhibits and offers a variety of programs and services to the general public. PCHS even provides downtown walking tours and group tour programs. Community events are also listed on the Calendar of Events.
PCHS maintains and interprets two historical buildings in the community of Phelps. The brick constructed, historic Howe House, became the home of the Phelps Community Historical Society in 1999. A two-story outhouse is connected to the HoweHouse, with entrances on both the first and second floors. Located on 66 Main Street, the Howe House is our main museum and there are both permanent and rotating exhibits including household and farm equipment. It is open to the public:
- 10 AM-4 PM on Tuesdays - Fridays throughout the year
- 10 AM -4 PM on Wednesdays - Saturdays during the summer season (June-Labor Day)
The Howe House is even available for private use for parties, receptions and showers.
In 2005, PCHS acquired the “Country Lawyer’s Office”, a one-story red brick building with four white pillars. Built around 1835, this site became well-known after the best selling novel; The Country Lawyer was written in 1939 by Bellamy Partridge. For almost 40 years, Bellamy’s father, Samuel S. Partridge, practiced law in this building. Currently this building is open by appointment only. We are currently undergoing strategic planning to determine its long term use for visitors and the community. Phelps native, Mary Hicks Preston, purchased both buildings for the Phelps Community Historical Society.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of every program, service, exhibit and event at the Historical Society. New volunteers are always welcome – a few hours really do make a difference! |
