Welcome, Friends - old and new!
Join us!
What a year 2023 was at Gillette Castle! In addition to enhancing the gardens both outside the Castle and inside the Castle’s conservatory, Gillette’s original glass-shard lights on the portico were restored and reinstalled after a lengthy absence. Work continues to revitalize the conservatory windows, and once completed will allow more light in and outside visitors a clear view inside. Our First Ferry event was enjoyed by more people than ever, and our Alice Hamilton presentation provided so much insight into Mr. Gillette’s neighbors and the pioneering work of women in his time. Thanks to so many amazing sponsors and volunteers, our Holiday in the Park was an outstanding success and enjoyed by visitors from all over. We’re certain that you share our excitement as Gillette Castle prepares to re-open Memorial Day weekend.
2024 is shaping up to be a wonderful year at Gillette Castle State Park, and we invite you to play a role at one of Connecticut's most popular historic sites! The First Ferry celebration returns in April, followed by the kickoff of the State’s castle tours in May, and guided Train Trail hikes will be occurring throughout the year. We have a few surprises in store as well, and plans are already underway for the holidays. Friends-hosted programs are enjoyed for free by all visitors because of members and volunteers like you.
Your support and active participation are needed to make more restoration projects, programs, and events happen. Please consider starting or renewing your membership in the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park for 2024. We would love to hear your own ideas about how you can be involved and how the Friends can support the Park and Castle.
| Student/Senior | $15 | |
| Individual | $20 | |
| Household | $30 | |
| Patron | $50 | |
| Aunt Polly | $100 | |
| Club 1919 | $250 | |
| Castle Keeper | $500 | |
| Seventh Sister | $1000 |
Please consider these membership benefits:
15% discount at the gift shop
Be the first to know about happenings
Participate and make decisions at the annual meeting
Help choose projects and events
Learn about volunteer opportunities
A warm heart and pride in knowing YOU are preserving one of Connecticut’s treasures
Club 1919, Castle Keeper, and Seventh Sister membership recognition on the Friends website
Please share in our pride and efforts to help preserve the Castle for future generations!
Join online and pay via PayPal, or join by mail (download the membership form) and send in a check. Please know that we will never share or sell your information.
Become a part of the history of this special place. We look forward to working together!
Please note that the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park are not involved with the Castle tours or the tickets for the tours. Membership in the Friends does not include free or discounted Castle tour tickets. To tour the Castle, purchase tickets before your visit. With questions or concerns about Castle tours, please contact Gillette Castle State Park at 860-526-2336 or the Connecticut State Parks department at 860-424-3200, deep.stateparks@ct.gov.
