Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine

Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is nationally recognized as the first chartered copper mine and first state prison in early America. As a museum we strive to engage with historic and contemporary issues through the exploration and discovery of the site as a copper mine, prison, and tourist attraction.

Old New-Gate also houses the first ever Re-entry Hall of Change – a place to honor formerly incarcerated men and women who have made a great positive impact in their communities.

Whether you are looking to discover a piece of Connecticut’s rich history, or to think deeply about the nature of crime and punishment; to explore 75 feet below the surface through the dark and winding paths of the old copper mine, or simply to make memories with loved ones, your authentic experience at Old New-Gate awaits.

Exhibits

Tour of the underground copper mine will be available on September 17th, 2022. Timed tour tickets are given at the time admission is paid. The mine tour is 30 minutes long, and requires visitors to navigate modern steps, uneven surfaces, and tunnels as low as 4 feet.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.