ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Public Library is thrilled to announce a series of captivating events celebrating the rich local history tied to the Downeast waterways. The series contains three different types of events each in collaboration with a different partner: the Branch Lake Association, Inc. (BLA), the Ellsworth Historical Society, and Audrey Ryan, professor of psychology and author, who will present “The Downeast Goldmine”.

Below you will find details about each event. To access promo photos, please click here.

August Photo Exhibition on the Main Floor of the Library:
“Life on Branch Lake Over the Decades” runs July 31 – August 31

The photo exhibition “Life on Branch Lake Over the Decades”, will be held on the Main Floor at
the Ellsworth Public Library from Wednesday, July 31 to Saturday, August 31, 2024. The exhibition
celebrates the rich history and vibrant community of Branch Lake. It showcases a collection of
photographs, accompanied by a historical 45-page scrapbook that covers events from 1944 to
the 1950s, including fishing derbies and sports columns with newspaper pictures of ‘the biggest
fish caught, and stories from the lake community and local businesses. The exhibition will be
open to the public during regular library hours.

Event Page: https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/20223/life-on-branch-lake-exhibit-2024
BLA website: https://www.branchlakeme.org/

Ellsworth Historical Society: Presentation and Guided Walk
The Union River: Evidence & History, August 10 at 1 PM, Riverview Room & Union River Walk
(Registration required)

Join the Ellsworth Historical Society for a fascinating exploration of the Union River, which runs
through the heart of downtown Ellsworth. Vice President Bill Fogle will host a screening about the
history of the Union River at the library, followed by a revealing walk along the riverbanks with
the society’s president Jen Sala. Discover what this vital waterway reveals about the people who
lived and worked along its banks.

Event Page: https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/20223/the-union-river-evidence-and-history
Ellsworth Historical Website: https://www.ellsworthhistory.org/


Audrey Ryan: Presentation and Author Talk:
The Downeast Goldmine, August 15 at 6 PM on the Main Floor (Registration required)

“The Downeast Goldmine: A Story of Fishing and Drug Smuggling in Coastal Maine” with Audrey
Ryan, Professor of Psychology & Author: The daughter of a local fisherman returns to Maine to
uncover the true story of how a group of locals (including her father) became entwined with a
powerful California drug cartel after fishing up hundreds of metal canisters from the ocean floor
that were filled with 60 million dollars’ worth of hashish.

Event Page: https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/20223/audrey-ryan-the-downeast-goldmine
Audrey Ryan: Article in the EA (2023), Boston Globe Article (2023)

The Ellsworth Public Library is a vibrant community institution dedicated to inspiring and
educating the communities it serves in Hancock County. Through diverse programming for all
ages, it strives to deliver equitable opportunities to upskill and engage in play, conversation,
mindfulness, community, and nature. Housed in the historic Tisdale House since 1897, it hosts a
collection of more than 46,000 items in-house including books, large print books, audiobooks,
movies, music CDs, and its growing Library of Things. While the Interlibrary Loan is currently
suspended, patrons have access to 50 print publications, streaming and download services, as
well as to the New York Times, and free access to the Ellsworth American’s online edition through
the library’s Wi-Fi connection. An EPL library card also gives its holder access to free passes to
many renowned Down East museums. http://www.ellsworthlibrary.net/

If you require any further information please get in touch with Berit Becker:

Media Contact:
Berit Becker
Communications Director
Ellsworth Public Library
bbecker@ellsworthlibrary.net

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