Historic East Granby Landmark to Re-Open This Weekend

EAST GRANBY, CT — A once-popular historical Connecticut tourist attraction which has been closed for most of the past decade will re-open this weekend.

Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, which began as a copper mine in the early 18th century and was converted into a state prison in the early 1770s, was acquired by the state historic commission in 1968, and operated at a profit before its closure nine years ago.

The historical landmark in East Granby closed due to much-needed renovation work and cuts in state funding for state parks. It opened for a day in the fall of 2016, when over 1,500 people turned out for an open house.

A grand re-opening in slated for Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations, the premiere of Tales from the Dungeon and much more. Unlike the 2016 open house, the mine will be available for exploration, as will the prison yard.

The site will be open Fridays through Mondays until the end of October - Fridays from 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, and free for children 12 and younger. Admission is also free for active duty military members and up to five family members (with ID).

Numerous special events are planned throughout the season, including shoe making and tinsmith demonstrations, a mineral show, a prison escape reenactment and a Halloween theme. More information is available at www.cultureandtourism.org.

File photo credit: Tim Jensen

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