1920's Picnic at Gillette Castle State Park!
Watch photographers work with models in 1920s attire! Enjoy a magic show and meet the Gillettes!
1920s-era costumes welcomed though not required of the public, and bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy!
Visitors to Gillette Castle State Park will have an unusual opportunity on Sunday, April 24, to enjoy a 1920s-style picnic in the shadow of William Gillette’s eccentric home. This free public event is held at the same time as a gathering of photographers and dozens of models who will be dressed in period-appropriate garb for the day. People are encouraged to come to the castle to join in the fun and enjoy some 1920s-style entertainment!
1920s-era costumes are welcomed but not required of the public. While photographers and models will work inside the Castle at times during the day, the Castle interior will not be open to the public, though the grounds are open daily until sunset. The Castle interior and Visitor Center are scheduled to open to the public on Memorial Day weekend.
Middletown magician John C. Sherwood is scheduled to entertain picnickers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This dynamic show will be followed later in the afternoon by an appearance by “William and Helen Gillette” impersonators Harold and Theodora Niver near the Castle entrance.
Though difficult to predict, there’s even a chance that the cherry trees planted by the Japan Society of Greater Hartford will be in bloom!
Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy!
PICNIC BOXES: We are sorry to say that boxed lunches are no longer available for pre-order. You can pack your own lunch or, our friends at the Hadlyme Country Market are close to the Castle and have really wonderful food. You can call ahead (860) 526-3188 to order sandwiches so you don't have to wait. There is also a local winery/cider barn nearby if you want to bring a "special" beverage (alcohol is permitted at Gillette Castle). We look forward to seeing you there!
Photograph by Richard Woo
Rain or shine! Note that there is no rain date for the event.
The late Connecticut stage actor’s century-old mansion is nestled atop the “Seventh Sister” hill in the towns of East Haddam and Lyme along the Connecticut River.
Many of the park’s trails follow a former railroad bed created for a narrow-gauge track installed by Gillette. Trail maps and videos of the estate may be found on the Friends website.
Gillette was the first actor to become internationally famous for his performances as Sherlock Holmes. The Hartford native died in 1937 after a long theatrical career and the state eventually took over ownership of his home and surrounding estate.
Those interested in becoming a Friends member may sign up online or download a mail-in application form. The all-volunteer, nonprofit Friends of Gillette Castle State Park group works in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Memberships help to finance park and structural improvements while preserving the estate and Gillette's legacy.