Sitting proudly at the top of Snake Alley, the Garrett-Phelps House Museum in historic Burlington, Iowa, sheltered three generations of one family for over 100 years.
The original portion of the home was built in 1851, and then enlarged in 1870. The three story home has watched over Burlington through struggles, wars, prosperity and poverty. During an especially difficult period is housed a hospital, and then a nursing school.
Currently, the museum is home both permanent and rotating exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include the furnishings (including furniture, bedding, knickknacks, dishes, and flatware) that are were left by the family when they donated the building to the Historical Society in 1973.
The Medical Memories exhibit, located on the third floor, is home to various medical equipment that was used by the doctors and nurses who practiced in the building during it’s time as a hospital, and then a nursing school before it reverted to the Garrett-Phelps family home.
The Museum is open Sundays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm during the months of May thru September, and by appointment. Admission is free, tours (at a nominal fee) are available and donations are welcomed.
The Garrett-Phelps House is located at:
521 Columbia Street
Burlington, IA 52601