Events & Programs

State Museum Sundays

Free admission to any of the four state museums for Connecticut residents! 

May 21st | June 18th | July 16th | August 20th | September 17th

   

Bat Appreciation Day

Sunday, Sept. 17th | Free Admission

Learn about New-Gate’s beloved bats as we team up with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to promote bat conservation. Engage with wildlife biologists and learn about how cool bats really are, and how you can help support these important and amazing creatures. Demonstrations and hand-on activities for all ages.

 

Light into the Dungeon: A Jack O’ Lantern Experience

Sept. 29th – Oct. 29th | Advanced Tickets Required 

Experience the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine like never before! In the late 18th century, people incarcerated at New-Gate Prison were housed in the abandoned copper mine in total darkness. This October, celebrate the Fall season with us as we bring “Light into the Dungeon” , illuminated by over 300 Jack O’ Lanterns. Explore the 100-yard loop of the underground copper mine lit by a display of professionally carved Jack O' Lanterns.

Visit Details

• Advanced Tickets Required. Get Tickets HERE!
• Tickets cost $20 for adults & $10 for youth (17 and under).
• Arrive ANYTIME during your timeslot to be admitted into the copper mine. 60 tickets are sold per timeslot and 15 people will be allowed down every 15 minutes- you can take as long as you like once you are down below.
• Guides will be stationed throughout the mine, but the experience underground is primarily self-guided and can last as long or short as you prefer.
• Tickets also include admission to the above-ground prison yard.
• The prison yard includes ruins, cells, and special exhibits, which are also available for self-exploration.
• Arrive before your time slot, or stay after to explore the prison yard.

Past Events

The Metal Man: Sculpture Unveiling

Saturday, May 13th | Free Admission

The past and present collide, opening weekend at Old New-Gate. This season the museum recognizes its 250th year since opening as a prison in 1773. Artist Danny Killion uses his lived experience in prison to humanize the lives of the men and women incarcerated at New-Gate with his sculpture installation, The Metal Man. Join us for the sculpture unveiling at 11:00am, to see this moving piece of work firsthand. Following the program, visitors will have the opportunity to check out historic demonstrations of prison labor that took place at New-Gate, including blacksmithing, and shoe smithing. Artwork from Prison Arts Alumni will also be available for purchase. Mine tours will be running all day and spots can be reserved ahead of time here. Limited drop-in tickets will also be available for those who do not pre-register, and the remainder of the museum will be self-guided with no capacity limits.

 

Connecticut Open House Day

June 10th | Free Admission

Free admission! Support Connecticut tourism by joining us on June 11th! Self-guided exploration of the prison yard and guided tours of the copper mine! Mine tours will be running all day for drop in tours.

 

Renovation Ribbon Cutting 

June 18th | Free Admission (State Museum Sunday)

The Friends of Old New-Gate are hosting a ribbon cutting in honor the renovated walkway and entrance that they graciously donated funds to restore. Check out their facebook page for more details about the event. Thank you Friends!!!!! If you are interested in joining this dedicated group feel free to reach out to friendsofnewgate@gmail.com 

 

Mineral & Gem Show

JULY 16th CANCELLED- MOVED TO JULY 23rd

Free Admission

The New-Gate copper mine has attracted people to the site since 1705. Celebrate New-Gate’s deep connection to geology with a mineral show. Mineral dealers from across New England will be showcasing and selling their collections on the museum grounds. It also happens to be State Museum Sunday so Free admission for CT Residents.

 

Escape from New-Gate: Reenactment

Aug. 20th  | Free Admission (State Museum Sunday)

Step into history and experience New-Gate prison come alive. Reenactors from the Fifth Connecticut Regiment will be recreating what prison life looked like at New-Gate. Join us for this exciting event, and make sure to watch out for escaping prisoners!