Two historic Connecticut gems have received a makeover just in time for the holiday season, according to officials.
The Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby and Gillette Castle in East Haddam are adorned with holiday decor now through Christmas, according to officials with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“The holiday season is a great time to experience the indoor wonders of Connecticut State Parks,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, in a statement. “Consider this your personal invitation to visit these two beautiful historic sites while enjoying some winter holiday cheer with friends or family. These special holiday events are an affordable and fun holiday outing for the entire family. Tours of the Osborne Homestead Museum are free, and tours of Gillette Castle are only $6 for adults and $2 for children.”
“Visitors to the Osborne Homestead Museum at Osbornedale State Park in Derby can enjoy the splendor of the winter season combined with learning about local history. Local garden clubs and other community groups volunteer to decorate the museum – the historic home of Mrs. Frances Osborne Kellogg – each holiday season,” she said.
This year’s theme, Holiday in Derby, pays tribute to Derby’s 350th anniversary, according to DEEP. Visitors can learn about the influence of the Osborne family in the town. The museum holiday tours operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 28, through Dec. 20. Twilight Tours are offered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12th, and 19th.
At the historic Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, the former home of actor William Gillette, volunteers have been busy decorating the castle for the holiday season. Officials say that the group Friends of Gillette Castle State Park and volunteers from other state park groups, local community organizations, and businesses help decorate the castle each year.
The site is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ‘Holiday Castle Tours’ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission fees to visit the castle are $6 for adults (13+ years) and $2 for youth (6-12 years); 5 years and under are free.
“From a hidden gem to one of our more renowned sites, holiday tours offer visitors an experience in the blending of our historic and cultural aspects of the Connecticut State Parks mission through a festive lens,” said DEEP State Parks Director Brian Wilson.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]