Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Ultimate Antiques & Books Destination in Ellsworth
Established in 1986 by Annegret and Michael Cukierski, Big Chicken Barn has evolved from a part-time hobby into a thriving year-round destination for antique and book enthusiasts. Our 21,600-square-foot space in Ellsworth, Maine, offers an ever-changing inventory of antiques, ranging from furniture and porcelain to vintage tools and jewelry, complemented by Maine's largest collection of rare books and over 300,000 magazines.We prioritize a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with complimentary refreshments and comfortable seating to encourage unhurried exploration. Our team combines decades of expertise to assist both seasoned collectors and casual shoppers in discovering unique items. With regular additions to our stock and personalized service, we remain a trusted resource for historical treasures and literary finds.
Services
Antiques
Rare Books
Vintage Magazines
Maine Books
Collectible Newspapers
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Specializing in antiques and rare books for over 30 years
- Diverse 21,600-square-foot collection with daily new arrivals
- Maine's largest bookstore featuring 150,000+ volumes
- Family-owned with three generations of curated expertise
- Relaxed browsing environment with complimentary refreshments
What people say
Eclectic selection of treasures
Must-stop for collectors
Wonderful shopping experience
Historic books and magazines
Bargains galore
Services
Antiques
Our 11,000-square-foot antique floor hosts an ever-changing array of furniture, porcelain, jewelry, and tools from the 19th century to mid-20th century. Each item is carefully curated to appeal to serious collectors and casual browsers alike. With additions daily, visitors consistently discover unique historical artifacts.
Rare Books
Maine's largest bookstore features over 150,000 volumes spanning first editions, leather-bound classics, and autographed works. Specializing in Maine authors and regional history, our collection includes limited editions and hand-printed books rare for modern markets.
Vintage Magazines
Holding more than 50,000 magazines from the 1850s-2000s, our inventory includes Life, National Geographic, and specialized publications. Each issue is graded by condition, offering excellent options for gift-giving or historical research.
Maine Books
Our dedicated Maine Book Room showcases works by regional authors like Stephen King and Louise Dickinson Rich. Collections include town histories, Civil War regimentals, and antique atlases that document the state's cultural heritage.
Collectible Newspapers
We offer preserved newspapers, broadsides, and pamphlets dating from the 19th century onward. These original documents provide authentic glimpses into historical events and societal developments across multiple centuries.
People
Annegret Cukierski
Co-Founder
Co-founded Big Chicken Barn in 1986 with her husband Michael. Her passion for historical items and community building shaped the store's early collections and welcoming atmosphere.
Michael Cukierski
Co-Founder
Established Big Chicken Barn in 1986 alongside Annegret. His expertise in antique valuation and dedication to customer service helped build the store's reputation as a premier destination.
Chad Cukierski
Operations Manager
Joined the family business in 2001 to modernize operations while maintaining the original vision. Ensures inventory quality and oversees daily store management across the 21,600-square-foot space.
Questions
What types of antiques do you specialize in?
We focus on 19th-20th century items including furniture, porcelain, jewelry, and tools. Our collection emphasizes regional Downeast industry artifacts and handcrafted historical pieces.
Do you carry rare and collectible books?
Yes, with over 150,000 volumes, our rare book collection features first editions, leather-bound classics, and works by Maine authors. Limited editions are regularly available.
How are vintage magazines graded?
Magazines are graded as Very Good (light use), Good (minor wear), or Fair (noticeable damage). Address labels on covers are noted but typically don't affect display quality.
Can I request specific book searches?
We offer personalized search assistance for specific titles or authors. Contact us directly with your book request for availability confirmation.
What are your Maine book offerings?
Our Maine Book Room includes works by Stephen King and Louise Dickinson Rich, town histories, Civil War regimentals, and antique atlases documenting regional heritage.