Rep. Zawistowski Brings Bi-Partisan Group of Legislators to Old New-Gate
EAST GRANBY – State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-East Granby) invited legislators from across the state to tour Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine on Thursday, June 27th.
The group was welcomed by Liz Shapiro from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the tour was led by Museum Assistant Morgan Bengel. The bi-partisan group of State Representatives included Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor), Kerry Wood (D-Wethersfield) Bill Simanski (R-Granby), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield) and Kevin Ryan (D-Montville).
Rep. Zawistowski commented, “Northern Connecticut is often overlooked when it comes to tourism and attractions. I was pleased to bring a group of legislators from different areas of the state to share what makes this site special and discuss the long effort to reopen New-Gate after being closed for nearly a decade. The state purchased the property in 1968 and it is one of four museums owned and operated by SHPO. Old New-Gate is now entering its second season of welcoming visitors.”
Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is the oldest surviving state prison structure in the country and has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a State Archaeological Preserve. The site was first opened as a copper mine in 1705 and converted into a prison in 1773. After the state closed the prison in 1827, it became a local tourist attraction.
The museum in open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. during the summer season. For more information about Old New-Gate and other Connecticut Museums visit www.cultureandtourism.org or find the museum on social media at www.facebook.com/OldNewGatePrison.
Liz Shapiro and Rep. Zawistowski welcome legislators to Old New-Gate