Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, East Granby

Events & Programs

 

Closed for the Season, re-opening May 2026. Stay tuned for our 2026 line up of special events and programs. 

 

Past Events from 2025

Friends of Old New-Gate Scavenger Hunt 

May 4, 2025 | 10:00 - 5:00

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.
 

Connecticut Open House Day

June 14, 2025 | 10:00 - 4:00

Help us celebrate Connecticut Tourism! Free Admission All Day! 

Escape from New-Gate

June 29, 2025 | 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!

Gem and Mineral Show

July 27, 2025 | 10:00 - 4:00

Join us for our annual gem and mineral show, because History Rocks at Old New-Gate! Free Admission!

Trades Day

August 23, 2025 | 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!

 

Josh Carter Lecture

August 31, 2025 | 5:00pm

The Friends of Old New-Gate and East Granby Historical Society are excited to present Joshua Carter as part of their annual lecture series. Join us in discussion about the indigenous presence in East Granby before the Copper Mine & Prison were built. Learn about the rich history of the region's Native communities and the idea of culture intellectualism- how knowledge, identity, and tradition have been passed down through generations. 

Bat Appreciation Day

September 20, 2025 | 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 3rd - November 2nd | 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 400 professionally carved Jack O' Lanterns.

*Hours and Admission are adjusted during the month of Oct. We are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Advanced tickets are required to experience the mine, anyone wishing to stay above ground will receive 50% off the general admission. 

*Advanced tickets for the Jack O' Lantern event are $20 for Adults and $10 for Youth. Eventbrite does charge processing fees- we apologize for this inconvenience, but appreciate your support during our largest fundraiser. 

Tickets and Details Here