Friends of Gillette Castle State Park

The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park preserve, support, and facilitate access to Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut, on the banks of the Connecticut River. Purchased by the state in 1943, the medieval-inspired mansion was built decades earlier by Connecticut actor, director, and playwright William Hooker Gillette. As well as the historic building, attractions include scenic trails, picknicking, river camping. On display is the lovingly restored antique electric train engine, one of two owned by Gillette that used to run around his property. As well as helping to restore this electric train engine, the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park host events throughout the year, both to raise funds for the park and to educate the public about the site’s noteworthy history.