Fall Into Special Events At The Simsbury Free Library

The Simsbury Free Library offers all state residents the rare chance to learn about little-known Connecticut history with special events and recurring programs throughout the entire year!

One such signature event will occur on September 19, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. when New-Gate Prison Site Manager Morgan Bengel will share the trial and error experiment of our state’s first prison that included many exhilarating escapes. Before New-Gate prison opened in 1773 in Granby, penalties for breaking the law included whipping, cropping of ears, or branding with a hot iron. The colonists decided an alternative way to punish law breakers was to turn the Simsbury Copper mine’s labyrinth of dark, dreary caves and shafts into a prison to isolate criminals and reform them. Bengel will explore the national historic landmark’s history spanning more than three centuries that helped shape the ever-evolving prison system.

In addition, one of Simsbury Free Library’s most popular, frequent programs is its Drop In Genealogy workshops in which genealogist Alison Watson Maston uses her 40+ years of experience to help the public research family history using records. The monthly Drop In Book Club will return to the event calendar for a whole new season of books.

A full roster of September events offered by the Simsbury Free Library includes:

Tuesday, September 10: Drop In Book Club: Before the War (11:15a)
New members in search of great book discussions and even better company are always welcome at the Simsbury Free Library’s Drop In Book Club any time they are interested in the monthly selection. This month’s selection is the acclaimed novel, Before the War by Fay Wheldon. For more information, call 860-408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

Saturday, September 14 and September 28: Drop In Genealogy (10:00a – 2:00p)
Researching your family tree and don't know where else to look to find missing ancestors? Bring any information you have and let genealogist Alison Watson Maston help. Alison has over 40 years of experience. She specializes in researching vital records, land records, immigration and naturalization records as well as probate records. She has particular expertise in New England, New York City and Ireland. Free for members; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

Thursday, September 19: The Saga of New-Gate Prison (6:30p)
As the first state prison, New-Gate was a trial and error experiment, one that included many prison escapes. Join Site Manager Morgan Bengel to explore how these exhilarating escapes shaped New-Gate's history and contributed to the ever-evolving prison system. Free to members and students. $5 for non-members. To reserve a seat, call 860-408-1336, or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.

About Simsbury Free Library
The Simsbury Free Library, including the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library, is located at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury and promotes interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material, expertise, and artifacts, while helping visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc. The facility also provides educational and cultural programs for the community to participate in and enjoy. The Simsbury Free Library staff is happy to have people use its reading room and free wifi, take a tour of its collections or just stop in for a visit.

The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.