Acadia Newspaper Trust Formed to Purchase Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander

Acadia Newspaper Trust is a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal of purchasing The Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Island, and the Bangor Historian. The Trust is seeking to raise $1 million to purchase the papers and cover the initial operating costs, with the goal of completing the purchase from Reade Brower in the summer of 2027.

Chris Crockett, the publisher of The Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Island and the Bangor Historian said in a press release

We want to make sure these newspapers remain firmly rooted in the communities they serve for generations to come. Local journalism is facing enormous economic pressures, and this effort is about building a sustainable future while preserving what has always defined our newspapers local ownership, local voices and a commitment to the communities we serve.

The Ellsworth American was founded in 1851, and The Mount Desert Islander has been serving MDI and the surrounding communities since 2001. The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander sell approximately 8.000 print copies each week and have a combined 6,000 digital subscribers.

Alan Baker, the former publisher and owner of The Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Island said

A community newspaper is one of a town's most important institutions. Its responsibility to inform, to hold government accountable and to tell the stories that define who we are. The creation of Acadia Newspaper Trust is an investment in that mission, assuring these newspapers will continue serving their communities with independence and integrity for future generations.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Acadia Newspaper Trust is accepting tax-deductible charitable contributions.

Community members may support the effort by making a donation, signing up to receive updates about the Trust, and participating in upcoming community events and conversations about the future of local journalism. You can learn more by clicking HERE

There will be a community kickoff event on Thursday, October 29th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth where the public can ask questions about the nonprofit transition and how they may become involved.