The Ellsworth American, publishing since 1851, is a locally owned and managed weekly newspaper serving Hancock County, Maine. It is the oldest weekly newspaper in the county and the second oldest in Maine. Belfast’s Republican Journal predates The American.

The American’s workforce of 55 is spread over several departments: News, Advertising, Internet, Circulation, Administration, Accounting, Creative services, Press and Mail Room. The weekly edition is printed each Wednesday afternoon and is on newsstands through Hancock, Washington,Waldo and Penobscot counties that same day.

The American’s news department operates independent of the editorial positions taken by publisher and executive editor, whose weekly editorials express the opinions, endorsements and stances of The American as an institution. The American welcomes Letters to the Editor, making a particular effort to publish those that are at odds with the paper’s editorial position.

The American has won numerous awards and distinctions from national, regional and state newspaper organizations in recognition of the paper’s news coverage, photography, editorial pages, advertising layouts and leadership.

American employees live, work and volunteer in the community. Their service to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, YMCA, schools and non-profit agencies amounts to hundreds of hours a year.

The American’s Internet presence is a lively, seven-day operation that breaks and updates news stories and photos all through the publication cycle.