It’s not exactly comprehensive, but this tiny museum in a barn about 10 miles outside Ellsworth makes for a rainy Saturday afternoon diversion. You’ll explore the ins and outs of the hand-crank system that first made it possible to reach out and touch someone—talk to a switchboard operator (the early heroines of the system) and learn about telephone poles, line, linesmen, switching stations, and how they kept it all running smoothly back in the day. Tours are available. From Route 1 in Ellsworth, go 7 miles south to Happytown Road, turn right, and continue 6 miles to crossroads. Turn right onto Winkumpaugh Road.
Downeast Coast
Travel Guide
Downeast Coast› Attraction
The Telephone Museum
166 Winkumpaugh Rd.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Ellsworth
Hours
July–Sept Sat 1–4pm; May–June and Oct by appointment only. Closed Nov–Apr.
Phone
207/667-9491
Prices
$10 adults, $5 children
Web site
The Telephone Museum
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.