The August newsletter from Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. Find out where our Facebook mascot "Sherlock on the Shelf" spent his recent vacation. Hear about recent accomplishments! Test yourself on the curious and arcane history of William Gillette and Sherlock Holmes.
Accomplishments and Happenings
  • Visitors to the park continue in full force, undeterred by the COVID-induced closure of the castle and visitor center. It seems that beautiful vistas, woodland walks, and quirky architecture have a perennial appeal, and many visitors are especially drawn to outdoor adventures in these times. We hope to see you soon!
  • You can now see the castle online! We have 24 different videos on our YouTube channel - built in collaboration with CT State Parks and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The most popular video is the "Behind the scenes" episode, which goes to the very top of the castle and beautifully highlights the special nature of Gillette's architectural aesthetic. Our very own Paul Schiller, Vice President of the Friends and seasonal Park Supervisor of Public Education, is your tour guide, and we think that meeting him in person (online) is a special bonus for anyone who visits the channel.
  • The gift shop is open, and operating under CT-COVID guidelines, as you can see in this photo essay. Visitors can now purchase mementos of their visit, and an important funding source for the Friends is back in operation. We think it's a win-win.
  • Last, but not least, a significant renovation of the retaining wall for the castle and the stairs to the castle is complete. The project was funded and directed by the State Park, so the Friends can't take credit for this, but we really had to mention it. The renovation is beautiful and completely in harmony with the rest of the castle. See more details (and videos!) about the restoration project here. 
Test your Trivia!
The August edition
A compilation of little-known facts about Gillette and Sherlock Holmes

Aug 2 1914: Holmes captured the spy Von Bork, foiling the Germans in their efforts to obtain British military secrets. In what Arthur Conan Doyle story did this happen?

Aug 3 1860: The birth of a very special woman. Who?

Aug 6 1873: The birth of Frederic Dorr Steele. Who was he and how did this man cement the image of the calabash pipe and deerstalker cap in the public perception of Sherlock Holmes?

Read the answers and more in this month's edition of Test your Trivia!
Where's Sherlock?
Sherlock examining stonehenge
We're happy to introduce Sherlock-on-the-Shelf. Our erstwhile mascot is very popular with our Facebook friends, and we thought you should meet him, too. He normally lives in the castle, but with the COVID-closure, things got a little lonely, and some gracious members agreed to let him visit.
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