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October 15, 2025

Ellsworth wants to fix 200-year-old house that protects city archives

A house has white siding and black shutters. Photo / Courtesy Ellsworth Historical Society The Chamberlain/Whitney House needs roof repairs in order to ensure the protection of the city’s historical objects, photographs and documents.
By Laurie Schreiber

The official repository for Ellsworth’s archives and artifacts may have been selected to provide protection the city’s historical objects, photographs and documents.

But as a vintage structure itself, the Chamberlain/Whitney House needs some protection itself.

Without prompt roof repairs, the collections could suffer damage that cannot be undone, according to a news release.

The Ellsworth Historical Society has started a fundraising campaign called Roof Over the Archives to raise $13,000.

The money will be matched by a donor at the Maine Community Foundation, the society said. 

The total of $26,000 will cover the cost of replacing the roof. Two donations of $500 each have been received so far.

“It’s an inspiring beginning,” said Mark Worth, a member of the society’s board. 

History

Built around 1825 at 357 State St. in the Ellsworth Falls neighborhood, the Chamberlain/Whitney House is an example of the Adams Federal architectural style. It was constructed for Judge  John Chamberlain, a justice of the peace and merchant, and his wife, Mary Hopkins Chamberlain, daughter of original settler James Hopkins. 

The house transitioned from family residence to a boarding house and tourist home in the 1930s, as a place to stay near the Ellsworth Falls passenger rail depot. Meals were served for 75 cents and the house became a gathering place for club meetings, weddings, church events and private parties.

Dr. Richard W. Whitney bought the house in the 1960s and for 44 years operated a dental practice in a front room. 

In 2014, the house was donated to the Ellsworth Historical Society. Since then, it has served as the society’s headquarters and is a meeting space for community groups.  

But the roof is failing, with shingles curling and leaks appearing.

“This roof project is urgent,” said Bill Fogle, the society’s president. “Without it, the collections and the building itself are at risk.”

The $26,000 roof project is the first phase of a larger stabilization plan.

For more information, visit the Ellsworth Historical Society’s website.

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