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 27^th.

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