The Gillettes, Old & New

Who was William Gillette?

William Gillette was born in 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut. His father, Francis, was a Yale-educated lawyer, farmer and prominent politician who served a term in the U.S. Senate. His mother, Elisabeth, was a descendant of Thomas Hooker, the founder of Connecticut. Will grew up in the Nook Farm neighborhood of Hartford with the likes of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) as neighbors. He left home to pursue an acting career and went on to become one of the most successful and significant stage actors in American theater at the turn of the century. His most recognized role is that of Sherlock Holmes.

The Nivers

William and Helen Gillette themselves visit the Castle on occasion, courtesy of re-enactors Harold and Theodora Niver. The Nivers are stalwart partners with the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, and they visit the Castle on a regular basis during the summer months. Their entertaining program "An Evening with the Gillettes" has been hailed far and wide in magazines such as the Smithsonian, Fortune, Connecticut Magazine and Yankee Magazine, and in news segments on PM Magazine, ABC News and CBS News. See more at their website: Sherlock Holmes - an Evening with the Gillettes.

William Gillette's "The Astounding Crime on Torrington Road" returns to print!
Presentations June 15, 2024:

  • Derrick Belanger (BSI, Co-owner Belanger Books) spoke to the experience of returning to Torrington Road

  • Brian Belanger (Co-owner Belanger Books) read a few passages from Torrington

  • Paul Schiller (local “GillExpert”) shared some of his wealth of knowledge on William Gillette

Live from Gillette Castle State Park: "William Gillette - the man meets his legend"

For the first time at their estate, William and Helen Gillette play host to the very person whom Mr. Gillette portrayed on the stage for many years -- the legendary consulting detective Sherlock Holmes.

William Gillette

Who was William Gillette?

An afternoon with the Gillettes!

Live from Gillette Castle, it's William and Helen Gillette! Our very own friends, Harold and Theodora Niver travel all over CT doing their presentation on William and Helen Gillette. They appear at libraries and community centers. They make special appearances at The Big E and the Essex Steam Train. When the Castle is open, they have been known to greet visitors on Sunday afternoons. Not only do the Nivers portray the Gillette's, they become their living embodiment. The Nivers entertained and educated viewers on all things related to William Gillette, the Castle and Sherlock Holmes.

Learn about William Gillette’s Family

While in the Family Room of the Castle, we tell you all about William Gillette's parents and siblings.

How Gillette Castle Became a State Park

In this video, we give you the fun highlights of William Gillette's last will and testament, explain who got what and tell the story of the auction of the Castle. Find out how the State of Connecticut came to own the property and how much or little was spent on it. Watch to see the greatest 2 words to appear in any legal document!

William Gillette and his Motorcycles

Learn about the type of biker William Gillette was and what he rode. Listen to interesting stories of his adventures. Find out why he was arrested in 1925.

William Gillette’s Cats!

Anita Ballek, the 90 year old matriarch of Ballek's Garden Center, shares some personal stories. Learn the history of her family who first settled in East Haddam over 350 years ago. Listen as she tells the story of her meeting William Gillette and riding on the train on his lap. Find out how she has found ways to stay connected to the Castle 86+ years after meeting Gillette.

William Gillette's connection to Mark Twain

How did Twain help Gillette's career? Can William Gillette help us to know what Mark Twain sounded like?

William Gillette’s Theater Career

In this video, we breakdown William Gillette's career in the theater. Hear about what his family thought of his aspirations. Find out about his most popular and successful plays. Learn why he was so successful and influential and the reason he was the Dean of the American theater. What is Meryl Streep's connection to William Gillette? We'll tell you.

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