Become a member of Ellsworth’s history!
You Can Access Our Digital Repository!
Our new digital repository offers members exclusive access to an array of information, photos, articles, and resources on Ellsworth history and beyond.
Topics include maps, veterans, disasters and tragedies, women in our history, cemeteries, topics on diversity, early settlements, architecture, and our beloved Union River Watershed.
New information will be added periodically!
You Get Special Invitations!
Members of Ellsworth Historical Society receive special updates, publications, and event invites.
All members are invited to join the Board of Directors at our monthly meetings so that their voices and be heard and they can help lead the direction of the organization through this exciting period of rapid growth.
Other exclusive or special opportunities may come up now and again!
You Support Our Seven Main Goals!
1. Support and encourage strong historical research.
2. Preserve and make accessible artifactual and documentary collections.
3. Preserve and make accessible our intangible and diverse cultural heritage.
4. Contribute to the preservation and identification of historic buildings, sites and monuments.
5. Build and educate a supportive and engaged community around the EHS and its mission.
6. Develop and implement a plan for the financial sustainability of the EHS.
7. Catalyze investment in our heritage and history such that they and the EHS become drivers of our local economy.
As we say goodbye to 2024 …
More About Us
Ellsworth Historical Society is a rapidly growing organization with an engaging presence in the community of Ellsworth and beyond. While we have been around for decades, our community is seeing a bright phase of revitalization and expansion that we are happy to align with. As Ellsworthians embrace our diverse cultural heritage and broad history, our positive community impact grows.
We’re so glad you’re here with us!
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To spark an appreciation and understanding of our diverse local heritage, its context and living history within and beyond Ellsworth and Hancock County. Through the collection, preservation, interpretation and exhibition of artifactual and documentary materials, historic buildings, cultural practices and other intangible heritage the Ellsworth Historical Society will contribute to public education, research and the collective identity of our community
and region. -
Local individuals and those from afar have greater access to and feel a stronger connection with the cultural heritage and history of our region and are inspired to actively engage in and contribute to their preservation as essential to our shared identity and economic well-being.
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We value the land which has come to be known as Ellsworth and Hancock County and the Wabanki (People of the Dawn) and other Indigenous peoples who were caretakers of this land before being displaced by European settlers. We acknowledge the injustice of that settlement and by seeking to better understand the truths of the past, we hope to promote an appreciation of the extended history of this land and all of its people.
We value our heritage for its insights and impact on our present and future lived experience.
We value the careful preservation of our buildings, monuments and collections of tangible and intangible heritage as essential to local history, the ongoing process of understanding our past and making meaning that inspires our sense of identity as a
community and a county.
We value broad public outreach and access to our buildings, collections and programming as a critical contribution to a community that builds on its unique heritage and history to create a sustainable and dynamic future.
FAQs
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As an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit, we rely on donations, legacy funds, and grants to operate. We use proceeds from membership dues to cover our annual overhead expenses, which total about $25,000. Other donations may be earmarked for specific things, such as the rehabilitation of
The Old Jail. -
Unfortunately, membership dues are not tax deductible, but donations are.
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Yes, we have four types of membership including Students &
Seniors, Individuals, Patrons, and Oliver Ellsworth’s Friends.
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Our dues structure is on an annual basis. Renewals are due in May of each year. For your convenience,
renewals can now be automatic —
you may cancel at any time.