Events & Programs
"Light into the Dungeon:" A Jack O' Lantern Experience
September 27, 2024 - October 27, 2024 | 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. Celebrate the Fall season with us as we bring “Light into the Dungeon.” Explore the 100-yard loop of the underground copper mine illuminated by a display of 350 professionally carved Jack O' Lanterns. Purchase Tickets Here*
*Access into the Mine during the duration of this event is by Advanced Ticket Only. Visitors interested in only exploring above ground will recieve 50% discount on admission.
Upcoming Events
Induction Ceremony to CT Freedom Trail
Friday September 13, 2024 | 3:00
Please join us on September 13th at 3:00pm as Old New-Gate is ceremoniously inducted as a CT Freedom Trail site to commemorate Prince Mortimer. This event will include the unveiling of an interpretive sign, a plaque presentation, and remarks on the significance of sharing Prince’s story! Learn more about the CT Freedom Trail HERE. Learn more about Prince Mortimer HERE.
Bat Appreciation Day
Sunday September 15, 2024 | 11:00 - 3:00
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. Free Admission!
Fireside Chat with Jack Shannahan
Sunday September 22, 2024 |5:00
Hosted by the Friends of Old New-Gate and East Granby Historical Society. Jack and Bob will be discussing earlier experiences at Old New-Gate. If you have found yourself saying "I went to New-Gate as a kid!" this is the gathering for you. Come and share your experiences of "Newgate before the state" with others who have been a part of this period in New-Gate history. Even if you have not experienced New-Gate of yesteryear, the event promises to be fun and informative. Get to know your very vibrant local history. Free Admission.
Past Events
Open House Day
June 8, 2024 | Free Admission
Check out all of Connecticut's offering for CT Open House Day (external link)!
State Museum Sundays
Old New-Gate has a deep and complicated history, which includes colonial mining, the American Revolution, early crime and punishment, and much more, but above all else New-Gate's history is a story about humanity. As part of the State Museum Sunday series, we are partnering with living history groups (June-Aug) to bring the site to life and reflect on the men and women who lived, worked, and were imprisoned in this very space.
State Museum Sundays are FREE ADMISSON days on the third Sunday of the Month for Connecticut residents to visit our State Museums. Join us for one of our special events, or visit one of our sister sites across the State.
Lebanon Towne Militia Reenactment
Sunday June 16, 2024 | 10:00 - 4:00
History comes to life with this immersive historical reenactment. The Lebanon Towne Militia joins us in the Prison Yard to present living history demonstrations on crime law & punishment, 18th century music, embroidery, accoutrements of Revolutionary War soldiers, and more. Children will have the opportunity to train in the 1764 manual of arms, and all visitors will be able to watch men at arms drilling and cannon firing.
Gem & Mineral Show with Mining Reenactment
Sunday July 21, 2024 | 10:00 - 4:00
Join us for our annual gem and mineral show, because History Rocks at Old New-Gate! Above ground rock dealers from across New England will have gems and minerals for sale. Below ground, our friends from Minute Man National Park and Eric Sloane Museum will conduct living history presentations in the Copper Mine. Learn more about the early mining that took place at New-Gate and the eventual living conditions that the mine provided for the incarcerated men.5th Connecticut Regiment Reenactment
Sunday August 18, 2024 | 10:00 - 4:00
Travel back to the American Revolution with the 5th CT Regiment. Living history interpreters bring the site to life with soldiers and prisoners, and so much more. Visitors can experience a bustling prison yard, and maybe even witness a prison escape!