About us

Founded in 1998, the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is a community of volunteers with a shared appreciation for the historic and unique Gillette Castle and the legacy of William Gillette.

The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and we supplement it's work by engaging the local community in: 

• events and activities that keep the legacy of William Gillette alive

• small-scale restoration, garden and trail projects on the park grounds

• advocacy to ensure adequate funding and support

Our mission is to support and promote the preservation of William Gillette's legacy, the conservation of park grounds, and the restoration of Gillette Castle, in partnership with DEEP.

Membership, volunteers and donations fuel everything we do.  We invite you to join us whether you live nearby or far away. We always welcome new members! Your membership makes a difference!

Major accomplishments

Major accomplishments include restoration of William Gillette’s train engine as well as the oak bridge, hosting the 100th year gala celebration of the Castle in 2019, coordinating annual holiday decorations, leading guided historical walks, and presentations that range from William Gillette’s 1916 silent film “Sherlock Holmes” to the architecture of the Castle. Recently, we have established social media accounts, refreshed our newsletter, and created an incredible and expanding video library.

Additional opportunities to support the group are available. Just let us know how you would like to help!

Read more about our accomplishments! Donations fuel our work. Current projects underway are listed on our Donate page.

FUTURE PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION

Funding is needed for current and future projects, including the following:

• We are exploring the feasibility of restoring the home of Yukitaka Osaki on the river bank

• Re-planting the garden beds around the Castle

• Updating the Visitor Center displays

• Installation of a plaque to recognize donors