Slide 1

Step Back in
Time

Experience the Gilded Age

Slide 1

Step Back
in Time

Experience the Gilded Age

Welcome side img

Who We Are

Welcome To Phelps Mansion Museum

In 1868 and 1869, Sherman David Phelps, a banker and businessman, bought three adjoining properties along Court Street. The three existing houses were torn down so that construction could begin on a new home. The initial cost for the mansion was projected at $70,000.

Journey back to the Gilded Era

Open for guided tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 5pm

Open for guided tours every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 4pm through October.

Coined by American author Mark Twain, the Gilded Age in America lasted from 1870 to 1900. Once referred to as “Mansion Row,” Sherman D. Phelps and his family built their home at 191 Court Street during this era. Now the last of its neighbors, this home has been preserved and is open to the public for tours, exhibitions, educational programs, and events.

Upcoming at the Phelps

Volunteer

Highly motivated students between the ages 13 to 17 are invited to become a part of the exciting Junior Docent program. Junior Docents are museum volunteers who are trained to participate in family and children’s programming and to help museum visitors better understand and appreciate the history of our area. Junior Docents assist in a variety of programming including: mansion tours, special event tours, and children’s workshops.

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Client Testimonials

What our Visitors Say

  • star rating  Tour guide was excellentvery knowledgeable and great pacing. Very personable and took his time with us.

    John M
    April 3, 2023

    star rating  Delightful and Educational Experience - We were traveling back from Niagara Falls to New Jersey and decided to stop halfway in Binghamton. We looked online to see what’s best to do in this quaint city... read more

    gwenw0214
    March 18, 2023

    star rating  Enjoyable for the whole family! - Our visit to the Phelps Mansion Museum was interesting and educational. Our guide was passionate about the house and extremely knowledgable. Our kids range in age from 8 to 21... read more

    juliapO258DW
    February 13, 2023
  • star rating  Beautiful mansion - I enjoyed this tour of the beautiful mansion. We took the Death and Mourning in the 19th Century tour and it was very interesting. The mansion had many stories and... read more

    autumnher
    October 30, 2022

    star rating  great community events and resource that is not easily duplicated - Love Phelps Mansion! They have various events that are original and interesting. Just attended a Halloween event with my friend from out of town and we both enjoyed... read more

    marywW1912TG
    October 30, 2022

    star rating  A highlight of visiting Binghamton - A beautiful mansion from the Gilded Age. The tour guides were knowledgeable and the history interesting. A recommended stop in Binghamton.

    Paul S
    September 11, 2022
  • star rating  We had the greatest guide - Helen! She spent extra time with us, answering all kinds of questions and gave a wonderful presentation. You could really tell she was passionate... read more

    deannaw774
    September 11, 2022

    star rating  Outstanding Mansion and Staff - Outstanding tour hands down. The staff were great and knew everything about the history of this amazing mansion.

    Thanks!

    Peter & Connie

    A+++++++++

    pebceb
    July 31, 2022

    star rating  Great spot with lots of history - My family and I spent the day here in June, it was beautiful, the staff was friendly and kind. They shared so much history with us; about the house, but... read more

    R1552DEamandap
    July 30, 2022

Support The Phelps Mansion

Your donation to the Phelps Mansion Museum helps us preserve this amazing hidden gem from the Gilded Age and expand our programming.