Ferry celebration this weekend!

This month: The annual ferry celebration is this weekend! Pictures from our active volunteers, who have been working on conservatory windows, membership mailings and getting close to finishing the broken-glass ceiling lights! Pictures from a great visit to Machimoodus-Sunrise State Park.

First ferry returns for 2023!

Join us: 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 1

at the Hadlyme ferry landing

RAIN DATE: Sunday, April 2

Pedestrian-only ferry cruise! Cookies and coffee from our friends at Hadlyme Country Market! Convivial conversations with friends. What a great way to celebrate the startup of the 2023 ferry season.

Speak with DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, State Representatives Christine Palm, Devin Carney, and Irene Haines. Tell them all how much you LOVE THE FERRY!

We had a blast at last year's First Ferry celebration

(check out the photo essay here).

Volunteers in action

The seriously deteriorated conservatory windows are getting LOTS of attention from volunteers Glen Rippell, George Mattern, Erin Vivero and Lynn Wilkinson. Work will continue through the month of April. Drop a line to gillettecastlevolunteers@gmail.com if you want to help out.

Glen Rippell also is putting the finishing touches on the broken-glass ceiling lights that used to grace the terrace. We're working now on installation plans now, and looking forward to a grand re-opening of the terrace area by Memorial Day weekend.

We had a fun envelope-stuffing party (with snacks!). Volunteers (from left) were:Janice Nowik, Diane Lindsay, Barbara Pokorny, Toni-Lynn Miles, Andrea Kowalsky and Dot Millen.

The Gillettes had a terrific time at the Spring Fling hosted by our Friends at Machimoodus-Sunrise State Park (see the photo essay here).

I want to join the fun. Add me to the volunteer list!

We're Hiring!

Seventh Sister Souvenirs is a vital financial anchor for the Friends, and adds significantly to the visitor's experience of the Castle. We are hiring sales associates for the 2023 season

Are you retired and looking to use your skills to help a great nonprofit? Are you currently in retail and looking to expand your experience? Drop us a note and start the conversation!

See the job information & apply!

Join the Friends!

Greetings Friend!,

We hope you enjoyed at least one of the many events we ran last year, and perhaps were grateful for our work on many projects that improved the state of our beautiful Castle!

Some of our favorite events were the 1920s picnic, a special partnership celebrating Yukitaka Osaki, and a fun-filled holiday program that was just bedecked with free music performances, trivia, hot cider and winter trail hikes.

Accomplishments we are most proud of were the installation of the Sherlock sign, planting of the garden beds, rejuvenation of the conservatory, a new water tank, and the cleaning of the Gillette gravestones in Riverside Cemetery in Farmington.

We would love to count YOU as a Friend for the 2023-2024 season.

Please consider a donation or membership this year to help preserve and promote the legacy of William Gillette and his spectacular Castle!

Join Online

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Your donations fuel all sorts of goodness!

Free events & Castle restoration!

Check out the 2022 recap video from our volunteer holiday party below.

Support the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park