This Former Maine Jail From The 1800s is About to Become a Museum

When it comes to things to do and attractions in Maine, we're lucky to have a plethora of both natural beauty and brick-and-mortar places to check out all across the state.

And soon, there's going to be another must-visit place in Maine- and it's wicked cool.

According to an article published by WGME 13, a former Maine jail is getting a bit of a facelift and is going to be transformed into the most unique museum Maine has ever had.

The article explains that the former Hancock County Jail, which is in the Maine town of Ellsworth, is going to be transformed into a tourist destination. The news station explains that the jail, which was built in 1886, had 16 jail cells.

"Back in the day," the Sheriff's deputies and their families actually lived at the jail alongside the inmates, the news station reported. Pretty wild, eh?

As one might imagine, the cost to turn an old jail that closed back in 1979 into a museum is going to be pretty hefty. Fortunately, that undertaking just got a little bit easier thanks to a grant given to the Ellsworth Historical Society to the tune of $500,000, according to WGME.

The news station reported that that the project manager has said that the added funding is crucial to getting the project finished and those added funds from the grant have allowed to the town to complete the exterior renovations.

Now, all that's left is to complete the inside renovations which will be turning the interior into a "heritage center," according to WMGE.

Haskell said that their goal is to have the museum up and running by spring of 2026, according to the news station.