in the spotlight
Past and present news about the Friends of Gillette Castle, or the Castle and grounds! Here are some articles that showcase the Friends and the Castle.
In 2026
Live theater at Gillette Castle in April
This month, the poignant true story of Yukitaka Osaki will be brought to life when the original play “Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet” is performed at Gillette Castle. The intimate performance for 48 ticket holders will be staged inside the main living area of Gillette Castle.
East Haddam News, April 9, 2026
Lymeline News, April 27, 2026
Creative fun for kids at Gillette Castle this month
At the visitor center of Gillette Castle on May 16, inventors and artists of all ages can try their hand at designing innovative doors like those inside the famous Castle with local author Kimberly Kenna.
East Haddam News, May 7, 2026
In 2025
CBS Radio Mystery Theater: Nightmare in Gillette Castle
When a couple on tour visit the home of the biggest actor to portray the legendary Sherlock Holmes on the big screen, they are unexpectedly forced to spend the night in the castle. They soon find that they have become part of a crime scene with the real Sherlock Holmes leading the investigation!
CBS Radio Mystery Theater - First Run July 14, 1980
Posted on our site January 15, 2025
Gillette Castle – East Haddam CT
The Catching Marbles Blog, October 10, 2020 (link published on our site February 13, 2025)
Breathing new life into a Gillette biography
Readers interested in William Gillette will no longer need to scour eBay for out-of-print editions of his definitive biography, Doris Cook’s “Sherlock Holmes and Much More.” The Friends of Gillette Castle have formed a partnership with Bellanger Books and the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (formerly the Connecticut Historical Society) to bring this book to Gillette Castle.
The Friends of Gillette Castle will be hosting a release party in the Visitor Center of Gillette Castle State Park at 11 a.m. on June 8.
East Haddam News, May 29, 2025
Gillette Castle Steam Train Restoration is Celebrated
The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park celebrated the complete refurbishment of the steam train during a special presentation June 14.
East Haddam News, July 3, 2025
Gillette Castle expands holiday tours with more weekend dates
Gillette Castle State Park is expanding its annual holiday program to allow more visitors to enjoy the festivities.
The castle, located at Gillette Castle State Park at 67 River Road in East Haddam, will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a community announcement.
Norwich Bulletin, November 26, 2025
Nyberg: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Gillette Castle in East Haddam
Ann Nyberg interviews Friends of Gillette Castle president Lynn Wilkinson about the wonderful holiday program at Gillette Castle, and it’s expanded schedule this year!
News 8 WTNH, December 8, 2025
In 2024
Friends of Gillette Castle press release: The state is seeking to expand amenities at state parks to include restaurants and wedding venues.
Waterford Patch, Feb 8, 2024
A celebration 97 years in the making at Gillette Castle State Park
East Haddam News, June 13, 2024
The Best State Park in Each State
The Discoverer Blog, April 8, 2019 (link published on our site July 26, 2024)
Holiday Traditions Are Strong at Gillette Castle
Zip06, Nov 28, 2024
In 2023
Chester-Hadlyme Ferry’s inaugural run to be held April 1
East Haddam News, March 9, 2023
Page EH1 (click here to see the first page of the article, and click here to see the remainder of the article)
Dignitaries Celebrate the ‘First (Chester-Hadlyme) Ferry’ of 2023 with Ribbon-Cutting
LymeLine, April 12, 2023
Letters to the editor: Our state parks, forests deserve a better fate
Hartford Courant, April 17, 2023
Scroll down to see the letter to the editor: “Our state parks, forests deserve a better fate“
Visitors to this CT castle and park can go inside once more
Hartford Courant, May 15, 2023
Gillette Castle reopens to the public soon
WFSB, May 18, 2023
Gillette Castle Restorations Completed in Time for Busy Holiday Weekend
NBC Connecticut, May 29, 2023
Explore state and theater history at the Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam
Connecticut news12, August 17, 2023
Expanded holiday festivities planned at Gillette Castle State Park
East Haddam News, Nov 16, 2023
Gillette Castle gets ready for the Holidays
Hartford Courant, Nov 26, 2023
Gillette Castle all decked out for Christmas
Hartford Courant, Nov 26, 2023
In 2022
Be an Angel: The forgotten man at Gillette Castle
The Day, January 21, 2022
Replacement of iconic sign underway
East Haddam News, February 10, 2022
Page EH1
Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to resume service
East Haddam News, March 31, 2022
Page EH2
Gillette Castle Sign Honoring William Gillette Restored by Lyme-Old Lyme HS Alumna Schillawski
LymeLine, April 12, 2022
1920s-themed picnic set for Sunday at Gillette Castle
East Haddam News, April 21, 2022
Page EH10
Kindness in Real Life: Volunteers bring Gillette Castle’s conservatory back to blooming life
The Day, May 5, 2022
Connecticut actor’s 100-year-old castle gets renovations before opening for the season
Hartford Courant, May 17, 2022
* requires registration
Yukitaka Osaki: Hadlyme’s most famous immigrant
East Haddam News, July 14, 2022
Page EH6
William Gillette's legacy shines a bit brighter at Farmington cemetery
Middletown Press, October 11, 2022
Let’s Go: Cider station, live performances on tap at Gillette Castle
The Day, November 8, 2022
Start 2023 with First Day Hike at Gillette Castle
WTNH, December 30, 2022
In 2021
DEEP encourages folks to kick off new year with a hike
WFSB, Jan 1, 2021
People Hit Connecticut's Trails To Begin New Year
NBC Connecticut, Jan 1, 2021
Gillette Castle is backdrop for new music video
Middletown Press, March 5, 2021
Chester-Hadlyme ferry celebration includes free rides
Middletown Press, April 30, 2021
Gillette Castle Park supporters gather to celebrate legacy of Chester-Hadlyme ferry
Middletown Press, May 24, 2021
Local Scoop: Gillette Castle is Open!
WRCH, May 28, 2021
An inside tour of Gillette Castle!
Republican American, June 2021
Gillette Castle profiled this fall in Estuary magazine
East Haddam News, August 19, 2021
Page EH2
Gillette Castle in East Haddam gets facelift as part of 3-phase improvement project
Middletown Press, September 9, 2021
Gardeners at Gillette Castle spruce up conservatory
The Day, September 22, 2021
Gillette Castle readying mansion for holiday tours, with decorations, festivities
Middletown Press, November 10, 2021
Local Scoop: Gillette Castle Holiday Ready!
WRCH, December 7, 2021
Vintage Christmas cards on display at Gillette
East Haddam News, December 9, 2021
Page EH2
14 ‘First Day Hikes’ at Connecticut state parks this New Year’s Day
Hartford Courant, December 31, 2021
In 2020
Hundreds head out for first hikes of the new year at local state parks
WFSB, January 1, 2020
Hundreds hit CT state park trails to ring in the new year
WTNH, January 1, 2020
WFSB’s Moment of Calm: Gillette Castle in East Haddam
WFSB, March 31, 2020
Connecticut Flute Orchestra
The Connecticut Flute Orchestra performs at Gillette Castle, September 13, 2020
Gillette Castle’s latest structural improvement hiding in plain sight
Middletown Press, September 22, 2020
Meeting the First Couple of Gillette’s Castle
East Haddam News, October 15, 2020
Cherry Trees planted at Gillette Castle, more to follow
East Haddam News, October 22, 2020, pg EH6
Decked out for the holidays: CT's Gillette Castle State Park
New Haven Register, Nov 23, 2020
Festive holiday decorations greet Gillette Castle visitors in East Haddam
Middletown Press, Dec 3, 2020
Christmas at Gillette Castle
WFSB Holiday Bright Spot, December 23, 2020
In 2019
State earmarks millions for Gillette Castle, Chester-Hadlyme Ferry repairs
Middletown Press, July 3, 2019
Nyberg: Celebrating 100 years of Gillette Castle
WTNH with Ann Nyberg, August 20, 2019
Gillette Castle is site for Speakeasy Gala on Sept. 7
The Day, August 27, 2019
Gillette Castle State Park opens for holiday tours
News8 on WTNH, November 29, 2019
Daytrippers: Decking the halls at Gillette Castle for Christmas
Fox61, December 5, 2019
Sherlock Holmes Builds His Dream Castle
WSHU, December 13, 2019
In 2018
The Best State Park in Each State
The Discoverer, August 4, 2018
Gillette Castle to open for tours
East Haddam News, November 15, 2018
Gillette Castle State Park open for holiday tours again despite budget cuts
Fox 61, November 24, 2018
Gillette Castle opening for holiday season
WTNH by Associated Press, Nov 24, 2018
Gillette Castle is decorated for Christmas
WFSB Better Connecticut, Dec 21, 2018
In 2017
Friends of Gillette Castle present Gillette’s rare appearance on film as Sherlock Holmes
Middletown Press, October 3, 2017
In 2007
Electric locomotive on track for return to Gillette Castle
Hartford Courant, September 17, 2007
Gillette Castle Train Restored
Crossroads Magazine, October 14, 2007
In 2003
Renovated Gillette Castle Officially Reopens
Hartford Courant, May 22, 2003
In 2002
A Castle Restored, Including the Quirks
New York Times, June 2, 2002
In 1998
Time to Fix Up the Castle
New York Times, May 24, 1998
In 1995
Gillette Castle Seeks to Form Society of Friends
Hartford Courant, May 1, 1995