Our Annual Ice Cream Social is Saturday, June 12th, 1-3pm see calendar for more info
The Ruggles House is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in northern New England. Open to the public as a museum since 1951, the House is located in Columbia Falls, Maine, just off coastal Route One, in Washington County. The Ruggles House, with its original period furniture and decorative arts, offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to gain a better understanding of early American cultural, architectural, and social history.
146 Main Street, Columbia Falls, Maine
Museum features educational guided tours with expert docents
2025 Season: July 5 – September 27
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 11am to 3pm
Admission $5 per adult; $2 per child
Educators can schedule private tours for their students. Clubs and special interest groups can also schedule a private visit for their members as well.
Our engaging docents are eager to tailor group tours to be interest-based
and learning-level appropriate.
The Ruggles House, designed by housewright Aaron S. Sherman of Marshfield, Massachusetts, was built for Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber baron, postmaster, captain of the local militia, and Justice of the Court of Sessions for Washington County. This particularly lovely example of Adamesque-style Federal-period architecture is rem
The Ruggles House, designed by housewright Aaron S. Sherman of Marshfield, Massachusetts, was built for Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber baron, postmaster, captain of the local militia, and Justice of the Court of Sessions for Washington County. This particularly lovely example of Adamesque-style Federal-period architecture is remarkable for its Downeast Maine location and its unique history of survival.
This beautiful home is a masterpiece of the Federal design. Exquisite architectual features include its magnificent flying staircase, striking Palladian window, distinctive entrance with a unique porch and elliptical fanlights, lavish interior woodwork, and intricately carved cornices. The house has a splendid array of decorative trim and
This beautiful home is a masterpiece of the Federal design. Exquisite architectual features include its magnificent flying staircase, striking Palladian window, distinctive entrance with a unique porch and elliptical fanlights, lavish interior woodwork, and intricately carved cornices. The house has a splendid array of decorative trim and wood paneling, most apparent in the West Parlor, its most ornate room. The highlight of the room is the decoration around the fireplace, which features mahogany insets and slender mahogany columns which contrast with delicately carved light woodwork, including exquisite lotus leaf capitals and beaded festoons. Incredibly the House has an intimate scale--its footprint is only 23 x 41 feet.
Many of the furnishings in the house are original Ruggles piece; some that never left the house and many that have returned through Ruggles ancestor and neighbor donations. The outstanding period antiques include a striking Hepplewhite sideboard and bureau, field bed, side chairs, and an 18th century Adam gilded mirror. All furnishings ar
Many of the furnishings in the house are original Ruggles piece; some that never left the house and many that have returned through Ruggles ancestor and neighbor donations. The outstanding period antiques include a striking Hepplewhite sideboard and bureau, field bed, side chairs, and an 18th century Adam gilded mirror. All furnishings are period to when the Ruggles family was in residence. Each room provides an intimate, accurate glimpse into the family’s lives as well as Maine’s 19th century history and culture.
Learn about the rich history of Ruggles House Society. From its founding to present day, our museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural history of our community.
The engaging docents will lead you through our rich history dating back to the 18th century. Listen to their stories of those who lived here, the history and culture of our village, and the events that shaped our special Downeast Maine community.
Join us for upcoming events, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibits. Our events are designed to engage and educate visitors, and are a great way to connect with the local community.