ABOUT US

Our story began in 1955, when William E. Phillips Jr. — known to everyone as Bill — opened the doors to Phillips Taxidermy and to what our family and customers simply call “The Shop.” Bill began his apprenticeship at just 16 years old under John D. Smith, a retired museum taxidermist from New York. After more than seven years of training and mastering the craft, Bill started the business at age 22, building it on a foundation of pride and respect for the animals entrusted to him.

Behind the scenes, Bill’s wife, Martha, played an essential role in the shop’s success for many years. She worked on antler mounts and fish as well as bookkeeping and numerous other projects, contributing greatly to the day-to-day operations.

Nearly three decades later, Bill’s son Jay began learning the trade at age 20. In the early 90’s, Jay earned many awards at New England regional taxidermy competitions, continuing the family tradition of excellence. Father and son worked side by side for many years before Jay took over the business in the late 1990s. Jay’s wife, Carrie, also played an important role in the shop for many years, doing all the sewing for our bear rugs, and she currently manages all the bookkeeping. Bill continued working in the shop for years afterward, and the standard of craftsmanship he established remains the benchmark we hold ourselves to today.

The legacy now continues into a third and fourth generation. Jay’s son, Tyler, manages the photography and development of our website, ensuring our work is showcased with the same care it’s created with. Jay’s grandson, Jaxon, helps in the shop part-time — balancing school, sports, and learning the trade that has defined our family for over 70 years.

Today, The Shop remains a family-run business rooted in tradition, skill, and dedication. For over 70 years, we have been committed to preserving memories with lifelike detail and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

The History of the Phillips Museum

In the early 1960s, Bill Phillips, along with help from his father, William E. Phillips Sr. — known to most as “Red” — established the Phillips Museum. The museum was housed in a large building constructed in the 1960s and featured Red’s extensive mineral collection, which he had gathered over many years. It also included a significant bird and skin study collection donated by John D. Smith, the same retired New York museum taxidermist who had trained Bill years earlier. His contribution added tremendous educational value and historical significance to the museum.

Throughout the museum were numerous lifelike dioramas, which quickly became the highlight for many visitors. Perhaps the most memorable was an elaborate jungle scene featuring an alligator and a monkey — a favorite among children who visited. The Phillips Museum became a popular destination for school field trips and educational tours throughout the region. For many local students, it was their first close-up experience with wildlife displays and natural history exhibits. The museum stood as a reflection of the Phillips family’s dedication not only to taxidermy craftsmanship, but also to education, preservation, and sharing their passion for wildlife with the community.