News
Check back often to stay informed about Simsbury people, places, and happenings.
Ellsworth Visitors’ Center is located at 10 Phelps Lane
Phelps Tavern and Homestead is located at 800 Hopmeadow Street
The tavern is not wheelchair accessible.
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Simsbury Historical Society Announces Hands-on Blacksmithing Classes
The basics of blacksmithing will be introduced at the Simsbury Historical Society’s fully functional blacksmith shop in October 2025. Hands-on classes will be taught by the historical society’s experienced, resident blacksmith. Two 3-hour sessions will be offered.
Portrait of 18th Century Simsbury Woman Exhibited at Simsbury Public Library
Portrait of Esther Wallace Jackson, created by Connecticut artist, Kern Bruce, will be on display at the Simsbury Public Library through 2025. The large scale oil painting is representational art, depicting the artist’s imagination of Esther Wallace Jackson’s physical likeness.
Charitable Event to Restore the Historic White Memorial Fountain is Announced
Join the Simsbury Historical Society and supporters of the White Memorial Fountain at Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar on May 27, 2025 to celebrate the historic monument’s restoration. Funds raised will help operate and maintain this beautiful fountain.
Historic Trades of the Revolution Day Takes Place in May
The Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities. See live demonstrations and learn about crafts, tools, and trades of the past including blacksmithing, chair making, chair caning, weaving, spinning, flax spinning, cooperage, and timber framing. The Phelps Homestead will depict life in the late 1700s. Actors portraying Phelps family members living during that time period will perform, in character, scenes from everyday life.
Circa 1771 Simsbury Structure Slated for Demolition is Dismantled for Preservation
Late last year, the Simsbury Historical Society submitted a written objection to a Bloomfield developer’s demolition application with the Town of Simsbury Building Department. The single family home slated for demolition was built in 1771, according to town records. Research conducted by the Simsbury Historical Society revealed that the house was likely built by David Phelps, a militia captain and Revolutionary War figure.
Simsbury Historical Society Announces its 2024 Holiday Market and Cafe Schedule
The Simsbury Historical Society is holding its annual holiday market in the Ellsworth Visitor Center over a two-week period this December. The holiday market will feature Simsbury and “Simsbeary” themed gifts and apparel plus one-of-a-kind holiday gifts including jewelry, ornaments, handmade soaps, candles, artisanal food and more from 15 local craftspeople. Proceeds support the organization’s operations and development of community programming and events.
Simsbury Historical Society Opens Exhibition of Historic Tariffville Photos
The Simsbury Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibition, The Roland Wolf Collection: Historic Photos of Tariffville, produced in collaboration with the Tariffville Village Association (TVA). It is the first in a series of events to commemorate Tariffville’s 200 years of history, approaching in 2025.
Scarecrow Day 2024 Draws Hundreds of Visitors
Scarecrow Day attracted hundreds of visitors on a spectacular fall day, Saturday, September 21. Nearly 300 scarecrow frames were clothed, stuffed, and decorated into one-of-a-kind creations that were whimsical, humorous, stylish, and everything in-between.
Simsbury Historical Society Appoints Executive Director
The Simsbury Historical Society (SHS) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Spatcher McAlpine as executive director. Ms. McAlpine brings more than 20 years of corporate work experience and a record of community involvement to SHS. She was selected from a field of strong candidates to oversee SHS operations, properties, events, community relations, and strategic growth initiatives.
The Simsbury Historical Society is a non-profit organization that depends upon your support. Please consider making a donation to support our efforts in preserving Simsbury's rich history. If you're interested in becoming a member of the Simsbury Historical Society, please visit our Membership page.