Binghamton's Phelp's Mansion & Interview with Empirical Paranormal

Episode Overview:

I had the honor to visit and record this episode from Binghamton New York's historical Phelps Mansion! Sherman David Phelps was a prominent Binghamton business man, he held the office of mayor and was also a judge. Museum educator Joe Shuerch talks with us about the mansion's history, some of the paranormal events that have been reported, and when you can book a tour of the mansion. We also interview the paranormal investigation group Empirical Paranormal to find out how they became involved in paranormal investigation, they share some insight on some of their past investigations, what they have learned since joining the investigation group, and what they have coming up for community events. 

Sherman David Phelps was born to Elizabeth Eno and Alexander Phelps on July 29, 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut. Phelps arrived in Binghamton in 1854 with $100,000 in cash and opened a bank. He started the gas company and invested his wealth in the city’s cigar manufacturers. He became known as "Mr. Binghamton." Lavish New Year's Eve parties were often held at this home in the late 1800s. The rest of the Phelps only enjoyed the home for a short while. Sherman died in 1878 at the age of 64 of Fell's disease only six years after moving into the mansion. He was laid in state on the first floor of the mansion, and later buried beside his second wife in the Spring Forest Cemetary. Two years later, his youngest son Arthur died at 21-years-old. The very next year, in 1881, his oldest son Robert also died. Robert's wife Harriett passed away in 1882. Judge Phelps died on November 13, 1878 of Fells Disease. He was laid in state on the first floor of the mansion, and later buried beside his second wife in the Spring Forest Cemetery. The mansion changed hands a few times before becoming home to Binghamton's Monday Afternoon Club. The Monday Afternoon Club helped preserve the mansion and brought culture and education to the community of Binghamton for a long time in the mansion before it became a museum. 

You can visit the Phelps Mansion website to book a tour or donate to help preserve the mansion here: https://phelpsmansion.org/

Empirical Paranormal Investigation Group is part of the TAPs family, their website can be found here: https://empiricalparanormal.com/

Special thanks to Joe Shuerch- Phelp's Mansion Museum Educator for sharing the history of the mansion with us, as well as Gina, Joe, Dominic, and Scott from Empirical Paranormal for a fun evening!