Since its construction in 1826, this museum has served as a boarding house, tavern, bakery and general store. Proprietor William Phelps completed renovations to the store by 1875, which was subsequently left untouched by his son, Julius, who locked the doors in 1940.

Today, this museum where time stand still remains a curious retail time capsule for visitors and Erie "Canawlers" to explore. Upstairs, visit the elegant Phelps’ family home with post-Civil War furnishings and Victorian splendor, unspoiled by electricity or indoor plumbing, where Sibyl Phelps resided until her passing in 1976.