Historic East Granby Landmark May Be Re-Opening By Next Year

EAST GRANBY, CT — Area residents eagerly awaiting the re-opening of one of north central Connecticut's historical landmarks may not have to wait much longer, according to an announcement from State Rep. Tami Zawistowski.

Old Newgate Prison, a tourist attraction since the 1860s which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970, closed in 2009 due to needed renovation work and cuts in state funding for state parks. It opened for a day last fall, when over 1,500 people turned out for an open house, and Zawistowski's announcement said plans are underway for special events this fall, with full re-opening anticipated for 2018.

"The CT Office of Arts & Historic Preservation has hired Liz Shapiro as its new Director of Operations, Preservation & Museums, and she is is focused on getting Newgate open to visitors as a very important part of her work," Zawistwoski wrote. "Since last year, we have been laying groundwork for a partnership with an excellent volunteer non-profit organization to handle some programs and other matters. Work to further preserve Viets Tavern and the two other wooden buildings should be underway soon."

The site, which began as a copper mine in the early 18th century and was converted into a state prison in the early 1770s, was acquired by the state historic commission in 1968, and operated at a profit before its closure eight years ago.

"Re-opening can be a catalyst for tourism-related economic growth in north central Connecticut," Zawistowski wrote. "Old Newgate Prison has so much to offer - from both a tourism and educational standpoint. Those interested in colonial and early 19th century history, archaeology, cave ecosystems, reported paranormal activity and just the experience of touring creepy caves all have something to enjoy. I've been working on trying to get the site re-opened since before I was elected, and I'm overjoyed that we are seeing some significant progress toward that goal."

Zawistowski said the re-opening will help support other state historical operations.

"Newgate has done this in the past, and the pent up demand will generate a lot of dollars, especially the first couple of years," she said.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen