Friends of Gillette Castle State Park

05/31/2026

Celebrate Connecticut Trails day by joining us June 6th and June 7th at 11:00 a.m.or 1:00 p.m. on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gague train.
Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way.
The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is generally gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.
The hikes are limited to 20 visitors, and REQUIRE advance registration:

Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended.
To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We hope to see you there! https://www.gillettecastlefriends.org/events-calendar/connecticut-trails-day-guided-hikes-saturday-and-sunday-june-2026

05/15/2026

Join us for an informative journey along William Gillette's narrow-gauge train trail system. Learn about the numerous historic features that Gillette built to make the journey interesting.

The trails are generally flat with a couple of brief scrambles. No registration required. We hope to see you here!

05/14/2026

Check out our annual meeting this weekend! Enjoy light refreshments, fun conversation and learn what to expect in 2026. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center. We hope to see you there!

05/11/2026

Loads of fun or kids this weekend! Author Kimberly Behre Kenna will guide children as they design and build secret cardboard doors that blend into a wall and open with latches, levers, and sliders. Explore what might be waiting behind the next door…if you can figure out how to open it!

Recommended ages: 8-14 but kids of all ages are welcome. Open to 25 participants, parents are welcome to stay and join in the fun. Click this post to register!

Books signed by the author will be available for purchase and all proceeds go to the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.

Calling all young inventors and artists! Join us for a fun, innovative, hands-on workshop inspired by the creative spirit of William Gillette and the new middle-grade novel  Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances . Attendees are invited to help re-imagine the castle’s famou

05/05/2026

Join the Friends of Gillette Castle for a special community gathering at the Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch as we celebrate the historic Chester–Hadlyme ferry. 10 a.m. On Saturday, May 9
What’s Happening:
- Light refreshments and flags to wave as we welcome the ferry arriving from Chester
- A brief ceremony featuring local leaders and CT DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalito
- A scenic cruise on the ferry— the highlight of the morning!
Parking at the ferry landing is very limited and fills quickly. We recommend parking at Gillette Castle State Park and enjoying the 15‑minute walk down to the landing. Signs will guide you along the easiest route.
Rain Date:
Sunday, May 10 — same time, same place
We look forward to celebrating this beloved piece of Connecticut history with you!

04/27/2026

A beautiful review of Osaki-San, William Gillette's Gentleman Valet was published in the LymeLine today! Tickets for next weekend are still available. Click the links on our previous posts to buy online easily. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings plus Saturday and Sunday Matinees.

We hope to see you there!

https://lymeline.com/2026/04/theater-review-osaki-san-at-gillette-castle-shines-light-on-remarkable-life-of-gillettes-gentleman-valet/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARcfLljbGNrBFx8CWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHrwDBSxWcWS7XFPZ2lA8xf6Vt2YqmPhyhwiAyPLboerpMeNbGxKWXIpaVsrx_aem_u5DGzObl6oVOqeUox-7ucA

The life of William Gillette’s valet, Yukitaka Osaki, is portrayed in a thoughtful and quietly moving performance. A historian and professor offers perspective on the show.

04/16/2026

Live theater inside Gillette Castle!
Experience a piece of history coming to life!

"Osaki-san, William Gillette's Gentleman Valet"
A one-man show starring Taku Hirai

• From cabin boy to right-hand man of America's most famous actor
• Intimate performances inside the castle (48 seats only!)
April 23 - May 2: evenings at 7pm, weekend matinees at 2pm

Final show on May 2 includes talkback with actor & playwright!
Get tickets now ($40-$50): gillettecastlefriends.org/theater
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam

Osaki-san, William Gillette's Gentleman ValetApril 23 - 26 and April 30 - May 3, 2026Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees

04/14/2026

A remarkable piece of Gillette Castle history is coming to life this month. “Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet” — the true story of Yukitaka Osaki, Gillette’s trusted companion — will be performed inside the castle’s main living area for an intimate audience of 48.
This one‑man show, starring Taku Hirai and written by Kandie Carle of the East Haddam Stage Company, brings Osaki’s extraordinary journey from 1880s cabin boy to the right-hand man of America’s most famous actor into vivid focus.
Performances run April 23–May 2 (evenings at 7 p.m., weekend matinees at 2 p.m.).
The final show on May 2 includes a talkback with the actor and playwright.
Proceeds support the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.
🎟️ Tickets: $40–$50 at https://www.gillettecastlefriends.org/theater
📍 Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
💬 Interested in volunteering or sponsoring? Visit the website or contact [email protected] / (860) 222‑7850.

12/30/2025

Come out on January 1 and start the new year with fresh air and exercise! Join a guided hike of William Gillette's Train trails. Register to make sure you have a spot or hike on your own with the aid of our trail map. Rejuvenate with free hot cider afterwards!

Start the year with fresh air and sunshine! Join a guided hike of the train trail, and rejuvenate with free hot cider afterwards!

12/27/2025

Our gorgeous castle!

Gillette Castle in East Haddam, CT covered in snow as captured by on Instagram