Nellie McKnight left her home and all it's contents to the Ellington Historical Society to use as a museum. The museum is open during the Fair on the Green, at Winterfest, and during other special events.

The Nellie E. McKnight Museum, formerly owned by the McKnight family, was built in 1812 in the Federalist style by the Sexton family. It has eight rooms and originally had seven fireplaces. Purchased by Howard McKnight (Nellie's father) on December 22, 1922, it was occupied by the McKnight family until Nellie's death in 1981 when it was bequeathed to the Ellington Historical Society to be used as a museum.

The major renovations occurred in the 1920's when central heating, plumbing, wiring, hardwood floors, new ceilings and wall paper were added. Two fireplaces were removed and an archway was installed to connect the two adjoining rooms. Of special interest in the house is the decorative wall stenciling in the kitchen dating from the 1830's.

Images of America: Ellington Photographic history of Ellington from the collections of the Hall Memorial Library and the Nellie McKnight Museum. The proceeds generated by the sales of the book will benefit the Ellington Historical Society and the Nellie McKnight Museum. The book is available in area stores and at Hall Memorial Library.

Naturally, we WELCOME any help we can get, and if you have a particular project you want to work on, or just help out occasionally at a meeting, that would be wonderful. Most of all we want you to have a good time, and learn a little of Ellington history in an easy and fun manner.