Bricks at the Barn
Etch Your Name in Living History
A brick in the walkway of Woodlawn's new Barn is a small thing with an outsized legacy. It carries a name, a memory, a declaration of belonging.
Woodlawn has stood on this land for nearly two centuries. The Black family built something here that transcended one family. They built a sense of place. And for generations, this community has kept that place alive.
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Now we've built something new. The Barn at Woodlawn is open, welcoming neighbors and visitors for concerts, workshops, weddings, and community life. The gravel walkways around it are ready to receive something permanent: the names of the people who made it possible.
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Bricks at the Barn is exactly what it sounds like: a chance to etch your name, or the name of someone you love, into the landscape of Woodlawn, forever. Donors who've already stepped forward will be among the first names placed. If you've been waiting to act, this is the moment.
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Every brick gets us closer to completing the Barn's landscaping and addressing long-deferred maintenance on the Black House Museum. This is not an abstract institutional need. It is the literal infrastructure of a place that serves Hancock County every single day.
Why This Matters
Every brick serves a dual purpose honoring someone important to you while protecting something important to everyone.
Historic Preservation
Funds directly support deferred maintenance of the Black House Museum, one of Maine's finest intact 19th-century historic homes.
permanent Landscape
Brick proceeds finalize the landscaping around the new Barn, completing the vision for Woodlawn's most-used community gathering space.
Community Memory
The walkway becomes a living record. A place where Ellsworth families can point and say, "That one is ours." That permanence matters.
Continuing the Story
The Black family began this story in 1827. Bricks at the Barn are how today's community writes the next chapter alongside them.
Questions We Hear
When will my brick be installed?
Installation is planned for spring/summer 2026. All confirmed donors will receive updates as the landscaping project progresses. Founding donors from the original campaign will be among the first placed.
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Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Woodlawn is operated by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, a nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive a gift acknowledgement letter for your records.
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I already donated previously. What happens to my brick?
Your contribution is honored and your brick is reserved. We are reaching out personally to all previous donors with an update and a chance to confirm or adjust your brick text. If you haven't heard from us yet, please contact info@woodlawnellsworth.org.
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Can I purchase a brick as a gift?
Absolutely. Many people give bricks as memorial gifts, holiday gifts, or milestone gifts. Note in the form that it's a gift and we'll send acknowledgment to the appropriate parties.
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Are there larger giving opportunities?
Yes. For gifts of $1,000 and above, we have naming and sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Executive Director, Meghan Doherty directly at director@woodlawnellsworth.org to discuss a meaningful legacy gift.
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What exactly do the funds support?
100% of Bricks at the Barn proceeds support two priorities: completing the landscaping and walkways around the new Barn, and addressing deferred maintenance of the Black House Museum. Both projects serve Woodlawn's long-term mission as a historic and community resource.