Friends of Gillette Castle State Park

06/22/2026

Members and volunteers of Gillette Castle enjoyed a celebration on Friday to mark the installation of an informational sign about Yukitaca Osaki. The sign has been many years in the making and reflects substantial effort by both the Friends and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The weather was glorious and the snacks and beverages kept everyone sustained through lots of engaging conversations. We do two of these events ( we call them member's meet-ups) every year. See the link in the comments section to find out what membership is all about!

06/16/2026

Come enjoy outdoor theater this summer, courtesy of our friends at the East Haddam Stage Company!

Every Saturday and Sunday until July 12. We hope to see you there!

05/31/2026

Celebrate Connecticut Trails day by joining us June 6th and June 7th at 11:00 a.m.or 1:00 p.m. on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gague train.
Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way.
The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is generally gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.
The hikes are limited to 20 visitors, and REQUIRE advance registration:

Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended.
To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We hope to see you there! https://www.gillettecastlefriends.org/events-calendar/connecticut-trails-day-guided-hikes-saturday-and-sunday-june-2026

05/15/2026

Join us for an informative journey along William Gillette's narrow-gauge train trail system. Learn about the numerous historic features that Gillette built to make the journey interesting.

The trails are generally flat with a couple of brief scrambles. No registration required. We hope to see you here!

05/14/2026

Check out our annual meeting this weekend! Enjoy light refreshments, fun conversation and learn what to expect in 2026. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center. We hope to see you there!

05/11/2026

Loads of fun or kids this weekend! Author Kimberly Behre Kenna will guide children as they design and build secret cardboard doors that blend into a wall and open with latches, levers, and sliders. Explore what might be waiting behind the next door…if you can figure out how to open it!

Recommended ages: 8-14 but kids of all ages are welcome. Open to 25 participants, parents are welcome to stay and join in the fun. Click this post to register!

Books signed by the author will be available for purchase and all proceeds go to the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.

Calling all young inventors and artists! Join us for a fun, innovative, hands-on workshop inspired by the creative spirit of William Gillette and the new middle-grade novel  Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances . Attendees are invited to help re-imagine the castle’s famou

05/05/2026

Join the Friends of Gillette Castle for a special community gathering at the Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch as we celebrate the historic Chester–Hadlyme ferry. 10 a.m. On Saturday, May 9
What’s Happening:
- Light refreshments and flags to wave as we welcome the ferry arriving from Chester
- A brief ceremony featuring local leaders and CT DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalito
- A scenic cruise on the ferry— the highlight of the morning!
Parking at the ferry landing is very limited and fills quickly. We recommend parking at Gillette Castle State Park and enjoying the 15‑minute walk down to the landing. Signs will guide you along the easiest route.
Rain Date:
Sunday, May 10 — same time, same place
We look forward to celebrating this beloved piece of Connecticut history with you!

04/27/2026

A beautiful review of Osaki-San, William Gillette's Gentleman Valet was published in the LymeLine today! Tickets for next weekend are still available. Click the links on our previous posts to buy online easily. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings plus Saturday and Sunday Matinees.

We hope to see you there!

https://lymeline.com/2026/04/theater-review-osaki-san-at-gillette-castle-shines-light-on-remarkable-life-of-gillettes-gentleman-valet/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARcfLljbGNrBFx8CWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHrwDBSxWcWS7XFPZ2lA8xf6Vt2YqmPhyhwiAyPLboerpMeNbGxKWXIpaVsrx_aem_u5DGzObl6oVOqeUox-7ucA

The life of William Gillette’s valet, Yukitaka Osaki, is portrayed in a thoughtful and quietly moving performance. A historian and professor offers perspective on the show.