Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

TOLLAND, CT — Our latest installment of a periodic series on Patch sites in north-central Connecticut highlighting "hidden gems" throughout the region features the Old Tolland County Jail and Museum on the Tolland Green.

It's a stone jail built in 1856 which operated until 1968.

The attached 1893 jailer’s home displays furniture and collections depicting life and industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the shed features woodworking, farm and outdoor work implements.

According to the Tolland Historical Society, during the 19th century, the Green served as the hub of law and order for all of Tolland County. Those who broke the law in the area were tried in the courthouse across the Green, and, if found guilty of misdemeanors requiring jail time of up to one year, would serve their time at the jail, probably working in the barns and gardens on the property and on the 100-acre farm property where the Tolland Middle School is today.

They also could be assigned to work in the kitchen.

The earliest portion of the jail itself, the stone (center) section dating from 1856, was the fourth jail built at the location. The brick section was added in 1893

The jail was operated by the county until 1960, and by the state from 1960 to 1968.

There are 32 cells in all.

Contrary to legend, the place is not haunted, officials said.

The Museum offers a Summer Internship Program for students entering grades 7 through 12. Display construction, artifact care and accessioning, and docentships are a few of the skills that are learned. Interested students should contact Museum Director Kathy Bach at 860-872-7716.

The museum is open on Sundays from Memorial Day through September and offers group tours by appointment.

Click here for more information.

This series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.