Posted on July 14, 2023
EAST GRANBY – On July 13th, State Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61) celebrated that the National Parks Service (NPS) announced $10 million in grants from funding through the Semiquincentennial Grant Program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The grant program was created by Congress in 2020 and is funded through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF).
East Granby will receive $750,000 from NPS to support the rehabilitation of Viets’ Tavern across from Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine. Viets’ Tavern was built by Captain John Viets, appointed warden of the Old Newgate Prison 18 years after building the tavern.
“I am extremely pleased that Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine was awarded this federal grant to support this rehabilitation effort for Viets’ Tavern,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “This site is a cultural landmark in Connecticut’s – and America’s – early history and this recognition from National Parks Service underscores its importance.”
“This funding is great news for north-central Connecticut residents, history buffs and visitors from near and far,” said Sen. John A. Kissel. “It will help visitors of all ages to understand what the role of incarceration was in the founding of our nation. The Old Newgate staff, with support from Rep. Zawistowski, spent considerable time working on this grant, and that hard work has made their vision a reality.”
National Parks Service states that, “Much like other taverns of the time, it was an important place for political exchange in the community. Preserving Viet’s Tavern will tell a more complete history of the United States by focusing on the role of incarceration in the founding of our nation and the incarcerated population before 1800.”
Grants were awarded to support 20 cultural resource preservation projects across 14 states.
###