A flute concert in August, a brand-new homepage, and lots of fun videos!

This month: An August performance at the Castle: Introducing the Flute Loops! A short entertaining video about the Castle, and a brand-new homepage for our website. Paul is on the radio AGAIN! The video of the Gillettes and Sherlock Holmes. Plus a new feature: Museum Spotlight, which highlights artifacts from the collection. This month: William's brother Rob Gillette and his saber.

Accomplishments and happenings

We have a brand-new homepage for the website! Clean, crisp, and we hope it helps visitors easily find what they are looking for. Check it out here if you are curious.

Castle guru Paul Schiller hit the airwaves AGAIN this month! Check out his interview with iCRV radio station. The interview is part of an ongoing series about the exhibits, lectures, and workshops that enrich the culture in our corner of Connecticut.

We launched work parties! A big shout-out to all those who signed up for our work-party initiative! We're so glad to hear from you and excited to be starting some tangible work on Castle improvements. Expect to hear from George shortly about the next steps. If you haven't signed up for work parties and are interested, check out the description here and drop us an email (workparties@gillettecastlefriends.org) if you are interested.

Flute Ensemble to play at the Castle

The Flute Loops are scheduled to perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 14. This all-flute ensemble will entertain visitors to the Castle with a special concert at the Gillette Castle stage. Rain date is August 15.

Lively music on the Castle grounds; it doesn't get better than that!

Check out their video "Flute Loops get Looney" to see the fun!

Gillette: The man meets his legend

Helen and William Gillette ran into Sherlock Holmes last month! Sherlock wandered in from the land of imagination and the group had a great conversation with an engaged audience.

You can see the full performance on our YouTube channel.

Photograph and video courtesy of Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography.

A four-minute Castle ramble

Friend and Castle guide Sarah Lucey gave an informative tour of the Castle to reporter "Community Karen."

The resulting short video is an excellent quick overview of what makes the Castle so magical. Check it out!

Test Your Trivia!

The June edition

A compilation of little-known facts about William Gillette and Sherlock Holmes

July 7, 1930: The death of a prolific author. This man created a legendary detective who has fascinated readers around the globe. Name this author. Just so it's not a giveaway question, can you provide the author's full name?

July 24, 1853: The last of six children, the man born on this day would revolutionize American acting and build an amazing Castle on the Connecticut River. Is this too easy for you? Name his parents!

July 31, 1986: Gillette Castle was deemed a cultural resource worthy of preservation. What body was responsible for this designation?

Read the answers and more in this month's edition of "Test Your Trivia!"

Museum Spotlight

Rob Gillette's Saber

Our new article series, the Museum Spotlight, will highlight interesting artifacts in the Gillette Castle collection. This month, we chronicle the military history and death of William's older brother Rob, and examine Rob's saber, which was sent to Rob's fiancée after his death.

Read all about it in this month's Museum spotlight!

Sherlock shout-out. Sherlock is thrilled to welcome new members Robert T., Ellen V., T.T.R., Katherine and Mark J., Danna M., Joseph and Carmen S., Martin W., and our new Club 1919 member Catalina Soap Crafters!

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