Press Release: Visionary Land Gift to Transform the Heart of Northeast Harbor
April 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Raney Bench, MDI Historical Society (raney@mdihistory.org) and Sherry Billings, Island Housing Trust (sbillings@islandhousingtrust.org)
Visionary Land Gift to Transform the Heart of Northeast Harbor: John and Johanna Boynton Donate Main Street Parcel to Island Housing Trust and MDI Historical Society for Workforce Housing and Year-Round Community Center
NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — A transformative gift of land at 131 Main Street is set to become a cornerstone for a more vibrant, year-round future for Northeast Harbor and the Town of Mount Desert. Donated by John and Johanna Neilson Boynton, the centrally located parcel has been divided between two of the island's leading nonprofits: the Island Housing Trust (IHT) and the Mount Desert Island Historical Society (MDIHS).
As summer residents with a home at the end of Main Street, the Boyntons have been long-time supporters of the village’s growth and revitalization. This gift ensures that two of the village’s most pressing needs—attainable year-round housing and a dedicated indoor space for community engagement—are addressed in the very heart of the town.
"My family has been coming to Northeast Harbor for a long time, and as residents of Main Street ourselves, we have been so encouraged by the recent momentum in the village," said Johannna Neilson Boynton. “We’ve seen firsthand how projects like the new skating rink and year-round businesses bring life to the community.”
“We wanted to contribute to that energy in a lasting way,” said John Boynton. “By providing a permanent home for both year round workforce housing and a community museum, we hope to help anchor the village’s future and support the people who make Northeast Harbor a special place to live in every season."
A New Chapter for Local History and Culture
The MDI Historical Society will utilize its portion of the land to construct a modern, year-round museum and community center. Departing from the traditional seasonal model, this facility will serve as a dynamic "living room" for Mount Desert Island communities, featuring rotating exhibitions, classroom space for local students and evening lectures, and offices for our growing team. Community curators will tell island-wide stories, exploring how our towns' histories and residents intertwine to make MDI unique.
"This is a milestone for our organization and the island," said Raney Bench, Executive Director of MDIHS. "Once all the funding has been secured, our goal is to create a space where the stories of all islanders are told. Once built, our three campuses will stretch across the island, making us more accessible than ever and connecting our shared past to the conversations that will shape our future. The new building will enhance our commitment to serve all island communities. We are so grateful to the Boyntons for this opportunity."
Securing the Future of the Year-Round Workforce
On the other half of the parcel, Island Housing Trust plans to develop high-quality workforce housing. These residences will be designated for median-income households, ensuring that the people who contribute to the island’s economy—teachers, first responders, and local business staff—can build lives within the village.
"Year-round housing is essential for a thriving community," said Sherry Billings, Executive Director of IHT. "Without a place for working families to call home, a village cannot truly prosper. We are incredibly grateful to the Boyntons for their generosity and for recognizing that housing and culture go hand-in-hand. This collaboration proves that when we work together, we can create a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem for Northeast Harbor."
Building on Current Momentum
By placing both housing and a community center in the middle of Main Street, the Boyntons, IHT, and MDIHS are ensuring that the village remains a place of activity and connection throughout the year. The project serves as a model for how philanthropy and nonprofit collaboration can meet the evolving needs of Maine’s island communities.
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About Island Housing Trust
Island Housing Trust (IHT) promotes viable year-round communities by advancing permanent workforce housing on Mount Desert Island. Since 2003, IHT has completed numerous projects that allow island families to live and work locally.
About MDI Historical Society
The MDI Historical Society fosters meaningful engagement with the histories of Mount Desert Island. Through its archives, exhibitions, and educational programs, the Society connects the community to its heritage to better navigate the future.