Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, East Granby

Events & Programs

  

The Slippery Truth: Prisonbreak at New-Gate
July 10– Aug 30, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays @5:30)

On a dark night in 1781, Loyalist prisoners rushed out of Connecticut’s New-Gate prison, seizing guns and killing a guard. In The Slippery Truth, a new immersive, site-specific play by Plays in Place, join prison trustee Captain John Forward in his attempt to sort through the stories and lies told by guards and recaptured prisoners. Experience this moment of revolutionary history and explore the complexities of war, prison, and loyalty, in the place where it happened. More Details and Tickets HERE! 

 

Connecticut Open House Day
June 13, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00

Help us celebrate Connecticut Tourism! Free Admission All Day! 

Join us at 5:00pm for a special program presented by the Friends of New-Gate. 
What a Glorious Crash They Made is a historical music program by historian and tenor Richard Franklin Donohue. It explores the "new songs" and hymns of Connecticut's Revolu-tionary War era that colonists used to foment rebellion, commemorate victories, and cultivate the sensations of freedom. The program features Donohue performing on voice and harpsichord while sharing the stories behind the fiery, seditious repertoire of the era. 

There is a suggested $5 donation for this event and space is limited. Send an email to friendsofnewgate@gmail.com to reserve your seat for an enchanting evening with the sounds of the harpsichord. The mine will be closed during the program. 

 

Gem and Mineral Show
June 27, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00

Join us for our annual gem and mineral show, because History Rocks at Old New-Gate! FREE ADMISSION!
Descending into the copper mine will be a self-guided experience for this event, with staff present for history information and support. Please check out our website for more information about the mine. 

Escape from New-Gate
July 25, 2026 | 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! FREE ADMISSION!
Descending into the copper mine will be a self-guided experience for this event, with staff present for history information and support. Please check out our website for more information about the mine. 

Trades Day
August 15, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 

Experience a day full of Trades at Old New-Gate!
Historically, the incarcerated individuals at New-Gate (1773) were forced to make nails, shoes, barrels, and more as part of their prison sentence. In honor of the craftspeople at New-Gate, we are hosting a Trades Day with demonstrations and hands-on activities highlighting these important skills. FREE ADMISSION!
Descending into the copper mine will be a self-guided experience for this event, with staff present for history information and support. Please check out our website for more information about the mine. 

 

Bat Appreciation Day
September 19, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00

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!

 

"Light into the Dungeon:" A Jack O' Lantern Experience
October 2- November 1 | Stay Tuned for Tickets

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 400 professionally carved Jack O' Lanterns.

 

PAST EVENTS

Friends of Old New-Gate Scavenger Hunt 
May 3, 2026 

Dive into the mysteries of Old New-Gate with this first ever Scavenger Hunt - hosted by the Friends of Old New-Gate! If you like hidden histories and a chance to explore the nooks and crannies of a ruinous historic site, then this is the event for you!
The game objective is to discover as many scavenger items as possible within a 45-minute period. Winner will be determined by the greatest number of discoveries in the shortest elapsed time.
Registration Required | Register your team via Eventbrite!