From the Director...

Phelps, NY - Small Town, Big Heart
   The Phelps demographics have undergone noticeable changes in the past few years. The oldest generation is phasing out, homeowners are parents with young children who have found Phelps to be in a good school district where families can ride their bikes or take a walk after supper. But one thing that has not changed is the heart of the town. This was seen on two occasions this past month.
   On Saturday June 5, the PCHS held an Open House at the Howe House Museum. Within three hours, 59 visitors were counted, the donation jar was full and we acquired a new member. Three volunteers in addition to the entire Board of Trustees turned out to set up, give museum tours and greet visitors. The event also gave people an opportunity to socialize, and we could not be more pleased with the show of community support.  Congratulations to the Door Prize winners who received a copy of Don Tiffany’s book Phelps… According to Don: Janie Burgess, Cathy Scott, and Mark Stevenson.
   The PCHS has been serving the community since 1969. We continue to maintain cemetery records, gather family genealogies, and collect items, all to help us tell the stories of Phelps. 50 years from now, when the aforementioned young residents and their children wonder where their grandparents are buried, who their ancestors are, or what is the history of this 200 year old house we will have the answers.
     The Pioneer Cemetery has undergone repairs thanks to volunteers from the Town of Phelps Highway Department and PCHS. Many headstones were set upright in cement donated by Phelps Cement Products. Plans are underway to clean the headstones. This project paid respect to those interred and acknowledged the importance of maintaining our cemeteries.

   If you are attending the Phelps Central School reunion or will be in Phelps the following week for Sauerkraut Weekend, please stop in at the Howe House. We will have PCS memorabilia and photos on display. On behalf of the Alumni Committee, included in this newsletter is the reunion information and registration form. In addition to our regular hours, the PCHS will be open Saturday July 31 (10am–2pm) and Saturday  August 7 (1pm-4pm).
                                                                     Diane Goodman
                                                                            PCHS Director