William Phelps General Store – Palmyra, NY

Step into the William Phelps General Store and you are immediately transported back to the mid-1800s when this store was the center of commerce along the Erie Canal. Today it is a museum that welcomes visitors to experience what life was like for those who lived and worked in Western New York. It is also considered one of the most haunted places in the Finger Lakes.

A Bit of History

The official catchphrase of the museum is “where time stands still” and it certainly lives up to it. Constructed in 1826, the building was a boarding house and tavern. It was remolded in 1875 by William Phelps and later closed by his son in 1940. The General Store was left in exactly the way it was in the 1940s and has created, in essence, a time capsule. The upstairs residence was lived in until the owner, Sibyl Phelp, death in 1975.

The Palmyra Historic Museum adjacent to the William Phelps General Store has 23 themed rooms where visitors can explore 200 years of local history.

Haunted Tours

The William Phelps General Store and Palmyra Historic Museum is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the Finger Lakes. This location has been featured on countless ghost-hunting shows. There has been a large amount of supernatural evidence collected from this location. Visitor are shown around by a guide who shares pictures and stories, as well as EVPs.

Visitors have heard whispering, been touched, seen the ghost of a cat, or even seen full-body apparitions. They have also found evidence in photographs that have been taken at the Museum.

Call (315) 597-6981 or e-mail at bjfhpinc@rochester.rr.com for information and scheduling.

Ghost Walks and Events

William Phelps General Store and the Palmyra Historic Museum holds paranormal events throughout the year such as ghost walks and other ghostly events.

6 hour investigation

6 hour investigation is $300 for 1-6 people. Any additional people are $50. Time slots available: 6PM-12AM OR 7PM-1AM.