Dubbed as one of the most haunted locations in the Finger Lakes and New York, Historic Palmyra features a complex of historically haunted museums. The St. James Hotel/Rifenberg's Saloon, built in 1826 and renovated in 1898, is part of this complex. The building was originally located on William St. and moved to its current location at 132 Market St. in 1976. On this site was a rental home where a family of eight lived. On December 21 around 2 a.m., a fire broke out, killing Anna Breeden and her six children.

Down the street is the W.M. Phelps General Store and Family Residence. Also built in 1826, the Phelps family purchased the building in 1868, with the last member of the family passing in 1976. Visitors are transported back in time as the store and family residence have been left untouched since 1940, when it closed. Although the store was closed, the family that remained lived upstairs, with no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing.

Private Ghost Investigations available most weekends by reservations.

As many as 30 visitors at a time are welcome to the property. Ghost hunts are available seven days a week and will not be joined together unless filling a minimum requirement. Prices vary by hunt length and time. Each tour is specific to your own group and your own experiences. Your guide will share stories, photographs, and EVPs should you choose—or keep the history a secret and verify your findings at the end.

Historic Palmyra has three buildings that are suitable for hunting - from a 3-single room floor Erie Canal Depot to a 3-story, totally original general store and home just steps from the Erie Canal (the place where 7 people died in a horrific fire). The Alling Coverlet Museums stands as the third building open for exploration, a treasure trove of handmade American Coverlets, or bedcovers. Each house items from the early 1800’s which tell the stories of families, businesses, and farmers and bankers; and how they lived and worked in a well-established canal town. Everything in these museums offers the remanences of 200 years of living, dying, and prosperity.  

Museums are open year-round.

Summer Hours: (May 15 - Nov 1), Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Winter Hours: (Nov 1 - May 15), Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Daytime Ghost Tours can be scheduled during open hours from 2-4 p.m.

4 Hour Private Paranormal Investigations are scheduled for after hours (6-10 p.m., 7-11 p.m., 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.) by calling the office or emailing. A $60 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. 6-hour Investigations are available for an additional charge.

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