Ellsworth Public Library

Woodcut image of library building

Discover Your Roots with Our Expanded Genealogy Resources

A Legacy of Genealogical Research

Since the fall of 1992, our library has proudly offered a genealogy collection to serve researchers delving into Hancock County family histories. On July 27, 1992 the Alvin S. Whitmore Memorial Collection for Genealogical Research, named after a beloved library trustee, officially opened to the public on the main floor thanks to a memorial fund established by his family. In August 2005, the growing collection moved to Genealogy Balcony, where it continues to thrive with generous contributions and gifts.

In May of 2000, New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, named The Alvin S. Whitmore Collection one of the six most important collections for genealogical research in Maine.  (Article dated 15 May 2000 by Russell C. Farnham, C.G.). We have continued to build on that recognition as the collection has grown in the ensuing years.

Comprehensive Regional Coverage

Over the years, the inclusion of the Hancock County Genealogical Society Papers and several private collections has expanded our scope. Our resources now span Maine, New England, Atlantic Canada, and other parts of the United States. The collection includes:

We welcome additions to the collection, such as published or unpublished family genealogies. Your contributions help us preserve and share the stories of our community.

Exciting New Resource: Sheldon Goldthwait Genealogy Database

On December 18, 2024, we were gifted an extraordinary resource to our genealogy collection. Sheldon Goldthwait of Bar Harbor has entrusted the Ellsworth Public Library with a genealogy database encompassing over 100,000 names. This comprehensive database focuses on Mount Desert Island families but also includes Hancock and surrounding counties. Our Cataloger & Special Collections Manager of many years, Charlene Fox Clemons, has been in talks with Mr. Goldthwait for several years. “I am very grateful Sheldon Goldthwait chose us as the home for his material”, Clemons expresses.

Highlights include:

  • Decades of genealogical research compiled by Sheldon Goldthwait.
  • Availability through the RootsMagic10 program on our Genealogy 1 computer.
  • Easy-to-use interface with printable reports, including family trees, group sheets, and more.
  • Biannual updates from Mr. Goldthwait to ensure accuracy and inclusion of new research. Please note that while corrections are welcomed by Mr. Goldthwait, changes cannot be made directly within the program.

How to Use the Goldthwait Genealogy Database

  1. Visit the Genealogy 1 computer to access the RootsMagic10 program on the Genealogy Balcony.
  2. Explore family connections using various report options: family group sheets, family trees, relationship reports, ancestor and descendant reports
  3. Verify information using original documentation, as this database is considered a secondary source.
  4. As with any compiled materials in The Whitmore Collection, the Sheldon Goldthwait Genealogy Database is considered a secondary source. Information  needs to be confirmed by original documentation where possible.  Most sources are sited in the files, but not all.

Assistance and Research Services

Our staff is here to support your research journey. While we cannot conduct extensive genealogical research, we are happy to assist with:

  • Quick look-ups for obituaries or specific family information.
  • We accept requests by mail, telephone or email through our website.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or adding new branches to your tree, our genealogy resources are here to help. Explore our collections and discover the stories that make our community unique.

Ellsworth Public Library
20 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
207-667-6363