Deconstructing An Old House

SIMSBURY — Simsbury Historical Society will begin a two-part series on old homes at its Phelps Tavern Museum and Homestead on Sunday, February 29, from 2 to 4 pm.

“Your Old House – Researching Its History” focuses on how to research a house’s past owners and builders. Participants will learn how to begin their own search using public records, historical society archives, photographs, and various repositories in Connecticut.

The second part, on Sunday, March 14, “Your Old House – The Secrets of Chimneys and Fireplaces,” features Robert Garafalo, early American housewright, who will lead participants on a behind-the-scenes exploration of the fireplaces of the Phelps Tavern Museum. The changing styles in firebox construction can help reveal hidden information about old houses.

Each session is $15 per participant, including resource material, and $25 for both sessions. Space is limited and preregistration is required by calling 860 658-2500.

The Phelps Tavern Museum uses period rooms and interactive exhibition galleries to interpret the use of the historic Captain 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 Simsbury Historical Society’s Phelps Tavern Museum and Homestead is at 800 Hopmeadow Street. For information, 860 658-2500 or www.SimsburyHistory.org.