is dedicated to supporting downtown Ellsworth’s economic and cultural vitality through concentrated efforts in the areas of design, organization, promotion, and economic revitalization while protecting the city’s unique and historic character.
Heart of Ellsworth A Main Street America Community
Current news
Through community engagement and planning, ceramic arts consistently came forward as one of the most requested areas of programming. This new series begins to bring that vision to life in a tangible way.
Available through our online store at a special presale price of $29.99 through July 31
This statewide recognition honors individuals whose dedication, leadership and generosity of time have strengthened nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.
The Project Coordinator will support a comprehensive inventory and analysis of approximately 200 downtown commercial buildings within the Heart of Ellsworth downtown boundary.
A destination marketing initiative created by Heart of Ellsworth and the City of Ellsworth
This year’s project is sponsored by Bangor Federal Credit Union, The Ellsworth American and Sealander Architects
This role reflects Barney’s growing leadership within the organization and her contributions to strengthening its community connection, communications and presence.
Thank you to every sponsor and volunteer who helped make this season’s downtown trees and flowers possible.
This dinner was a reminder that downtown’s future is shaped by the people who believe in it, invest in it, and keep showing up for it.
Jane’s Walk is community-led walks that invite people to explore the places, stories, and ideas that shape a place.
The week invited people to experience one of Maine’s coastal resources in creative, approachable ways.
The event was created with a simple idea in mind: Realtors are often some of the first people introducing new residents, families, business owners, and investors to Ellsworth
Ten years of growth, ten years of Heart, and ten years of making our community shine!
Each walk offers a different way to engage with the places, stories, and ideas that shape Ellsworth, and everyone is welcome to join in.
Ellsworth’s Downtown is now on the National Register of Historic Places
Businesses that participate in some way during Maine Seaweed Week will receive free promotion alongside Heart of Ellsworth’s marketing efforts leading up to and during the event.
This achievement follows a multi year, community driven process led by Heart of Ellsworth and supported by local partners, preservation experts, and community members.
This March, we are dedicating each week to meeting one of our four committees. The Promotions Committee is a group cultivating energy, visibility, and connection for downtown Ellsworth.
This March, we are dedicating each week to meeting one of our four committees. The Design Committee is also known (affectionately) as the group that gets things done.
Upcoming events
Who we are
Our team is currently made up of two staff people, a passionate board of directors, and countless volunteers working daily to improve our city.
Making a difference downtown
Formerly the Downtown Ellsworth Association, Heart of Ellsworth transitioned to a 501(c) 3 structure in 2016 through the effort of a group of engaged volunteers. As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of sponsors and donors like you. Consider donating today to leave an indelible mark on the heart of our town.
What it means to be a Main Street America Accredited™️ Community
As Maine’s newest Main Street America Nationally Accredited Community™️, Heart of Ellsworth is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Locally, Maine is home to 10 Main Street communities organized by the Maine Downtown Center. MDC is the state coordinator for the National Main Street Center’s Main Street America program.
In September 2024, we became a Main Street America community! This new accreditation brings more Main St America benefits to the Downtown district.