The Chapman-Hall House stands at the eastern end of Damariscotta's downtown area, northwest of the corner of Main, Church, and Vine Streets. It is a single-story wood frame Cape style house, its exterior finished in unpainted wooden shingles. It has a side gable roof with a large central chimney. The main facade is five bays wide, with simple trim surrounding its windows and door, the latter topped by a four-light transom window. The interior features exposed beams, paneled fireplaces, and period plasterwork, and underwent a major restoration in the 1960s, when it first became a museum.[2]
The Damariscotta area was first settled in the 17th century, but permanent settlement did not begin until 1748 due to repeated conflicts with Native Americans. This house was built in 1754 by Nathaniel Chapman, a housewright and half-brother of the area's first permanent settler, Anthony Chapman. Both were natives of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Nathaniel was convinced to come here by his brother to build houses for the early settlers. Nathaniel Chapman at one time owned all of the area that is now downtown Damariscotta.[2]
In 1960, the house was rescued from demolition by local citizens group, and restored to its 18th-century appearance under the guidance of preservationist Abbott Lowell Cummings. It has served since then as a museum property, since 2008 by the Lincoln County Historical Association.[3]
