Ipswich Museum

Bag Lunch Series: Letters Home from the Ipswich Female Seminary 1830-1837
2024-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Ann Brown, historian, has found some very interesting letters in Mount Holyoke’s archives, written by three seminary students: Harriet Johnson, Maria Cowles and Austa Winchell. Together they provide some interesting insights into what it was like to be a student at the Ipswich Female Seminary, (boarding, rhythm of the day, curriculum, discipline and their success in teaching opportunities). Her talk will focus on the anecdotal stories provided by these young women in their letters to their families back home.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Evening Lecture Series: Contention in the Commons
2024-01-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speaker: Gordon Harris, Ipswich Town Historian
In the commons, the early Massachusetts town adopted English institutions of land management that often predated their own experience in the mother country, reproducing medieval systems whose roots dated back several centuries, but the communal system quickly failed. Disagreements over the division and usage of the common lands resulted in a switch to individual ownership by the end of the 17th century.
Members: free | Non-members: $10.00

Evening Lecture Series- Ipswich in the American Revolution
2023-11-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Scott Jewell, middle school technology engineering teacher, lover of history and board of trustee member who will do an enthusiastic talk and presentation on the role that Ipswich played during the American Revolution. Scott’s love of history will come alive in this lecture.

Bag Lunch Series- From Plant to Fiber
2023-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speakers: Katherine Chaison, curator, and Susan Landry, textile specialist, will conduct a museum experiment of growing and processing flax. This will be fascinating.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: free
Non-Members: $5

Haunted House
2023-10-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Enter if you dare! Our Haunted House is open Saturdays in October from 7-9pm. Entry is free but donations are gladly accepted.

Evening Lecture Series- The Fed, love it or hate it?
2023-10-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Managing a modern economy is still full of mysteries. Is the Fed playing a constructive role? Why is it so controversial? Carroll Perry will discuss important questions related to the Fed and to our lives. Carroll taught economics at Philips Andover for the last 12 years of his career. Prior to that he spent 25 years as an international banker with BankBoston. He has lived extensively in Latin America and Asia and after college, he and his wife served in Brazil as Peace Corps volunteers. This will be a fascinating lecture.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Haunted House
2023-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | MA

Bag Lunch Series- Find the Influence of Ancient Civilization in Ipswich
2023-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speaker: Sam Hamlin, retired third grade teacher from Shore Country Day school will take you on a tour in search of remnants of ancient civilization here in Ipswich. You will see Ipswich in a new light.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: free
Non-Members: $5

Evening Lecture Series- The Story of Argilla Farm
2023-09-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Pege and John Verani have owned and occupied Argilla Farm since 1974. They will share their research and stories about the property. Join them on this fascinating journey and come to share their enthusiasm and belief that when one owns an old house, you are just a caretaker for future generations.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

The Port of Ipswich: Free Walking Tour
2023-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
As part of the Trails & Sails event put together by Essex Heritage we are offering a 1 hour walking tour of Ipswich on the fascinating history of its former port. Scott Jewell will lead the walk beginning at the parking lot of the Ipswich Museum at 2pm. The event is free. Follow the link for more information and for a list of all events on the North Shore during this wonderful program
https://trailsandsails.org/events/the-port-of-ipswich-a-historical-walking-tour/

Bag Lunch Series: North Shore in the Stone Age
2023-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Ipswich is known for its discovery of early artifacts at Great Neck, along the riverbanks and the Bull Brook area. Erin Rice, our museum educator, will talk about the Bull Brook artifacts and other tools in our Traveling Museum Collection. This show and tell series is always fun.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: free
Non-Members: $5

Ipswich Museum Yard Sale
2023-07-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Visit the annual Ipswich Museum Yard Sale during Olde Ipswich Days from 9-1! Shop for fantastic treasures and support the museum in the process.
In the afternoon, stick around for an Ipswich Summer Band 2023 concert, directed by Nalani Fujiwara, playing on the museum grounds.

Evening Lecture Series- The History of Clamming in Ipswich
2023-06-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Ipswich has always been known for its clams. The salt marshes, mud flats and tidal estuaries contribute to its wonderful taste. Stephanie Gaskins, Dow Curator will do a lecture on the summer exhibit about the history of clamming in Ipswich.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Bag Lunch Series- The Future of Agriculture
2023-06-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Paul Wegzin, teacher and local farmer will talk about farming and how it has changed over the years. The tulip and sunflower fields were his brainstorm. Paul comes from a long family of traditional farmers in Ipswich. Come learn how farming and its produce benefit each of us.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: free
Non-Members: $5

Sunday Strolls: Ipswich in the Civil War
2023-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
From hardline abolitionists to well-known slaveholders, Ipswich’s residents were long divided over the issue of slavery. By the time the Civil War broke out, many answered the call to fight for the Union or support the troops from home. Learn about the fate of these soldiers and the role the town played in this pivotal moment in our nation’s history with local expert and author of “Ipswich in the Civil War,” Scott Jewell.
Tickets: $10 Members / $15 Non-members

*Please note, this date has been changed from April 30 to June 4*

Sunday Stroll: Ipswich 101
2023-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Are you new to Ipswich or in the dark about this town’s long and rich history? This tour is designed as a crash course through Ipswich’s past. Join Stephanie Gaskins on a walk through some of the highlights and lowlights that have shaped this great town over thousands of years.
Tickets: $10 Members | $15 Non-members

Evening Lecture Series- London Letters Home (1861-1865)
2023-05-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Penelope Pelham West lives in Maine. Her exploration into her great grandfather’s life of which London Letters Home is the fruit, began when her cousin shared his cache of Gus Farley’s letters home. Gus Farley spent 4 years in London as an apprentice tea taster, preparing to join his cousin’s firm of Augustine Heard & Co. in China. The letters describe the daily workings of the mid-century tea business in London and Gus’s coming of age. Come hear this interesting story.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Sunday Stroll: The Women of Ipswich
2023-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Celebrate Mother’s Day with the stories of how women have shaped the town. From the wrongfully enslaved Jenny Slew to the visionaries of the Ipswich Female Seminary, Stephanie Gaskins will guide you through Ipswich’s past from a new perspective. Mothers are free with a paying family member!
Tickets $10 Members | $15 Non-Members | Mothers are Free with paid ticket

Sunday Stroll: Dams and Bridges of Ipswich
2023-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
We use these bridges every day but hardly give them a second thought as significant pieces of history. Join Scott Jewell for a walk around town and learn about the stories our bridges and dams can tell.

Bag Lunch Series- Water Extremes- What to expect and what can be done?
2023-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speaker: Ann Carrol, Director of the State’s Office of Water Resources, will summarize the latest thinking on droughts and flooding in New England and what is and can be done to prepare, manage and adapt. Ann is grateful to have grown up in Ipswich and has happy memories of playing in its rivers, ponds, marshes and ocean. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of Water Resources. This is a very timely and important lecture for us all.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: free
Non-Members: $5

Sunday Stroll: Ipswich in the Revolution
2023-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Who knew that Ipswich was in the epicenter of the American Revolution? Join Scott Jewell on a walk around town and learn about what happened here 245 years ago.
Tickets $10 Members | $15 non-Members

Evening Lecture Series- Clara Barton- A Great Humanitarian, Civil War Nurse and Red Cross Founder
2023-04-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Sheryl Faye, actor – extraordinaire will star as Clara Barton who dedicated her life to helping others. She taught children whose parents couldn’t afford to pay for education and she raised funds and food, clothing and medicines during the Civil War. She was very courageous and went to the front line to nurse the wounded and dying. She started the American Red Cross which is her legacy today. Sheryl has an amazing way of getting the audience emotionally involved and her grasp of her craft is amazing. This is a wonderful way for students at all levels and ages to learn history.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Sunday Stroll: The Life and Art of Arthur Wesley Dow
2023-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Ipswich Museum’s Dow Curator, Stephanie Gaskins, as she guides us around town through the life and work of Ipswich artist and educator, Arthur Wesley Dow.
Tickets: $10 Members / $15 non-Members

Bag Lunch Series- History of the Jewell Mill (Also known as the Pearson/Dummer Mills)
2023-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
The story begins in 1639 when a group of 60 settlers from Yorkshire, England made their way to the new world. In time they realized the importance of a mill and it fell on the wealthiest in the group, Thomas Nelson to make it happen. He was given 36 acres and hired Richard Holmes to design and build the mill. He constructed the dam, the aqueduct, the mill pond, the mill itself and there is speculation that he constructed the beautiful keystone barrel arch bridge.
Speaker: Cheryl Cahill, retired middle school principal and home-owner of this special property will talk about its fascinating history. A fun, interesting story.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: Free
Non-Members: $5

Evening Lecture Series- First Period Construction
2023-03-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Gordon Harris, Ipswich’s town historian, will present a virtual tour of the historic neighborhoods of Meeting House Green, High St, the East End, the South Green, and their well preserved streetscapes of the 17th and 18th century homes. In this powerpoint presentation, we go inside several of these houses and identify First Period elements based on appearance, layout and architectural features that distinguish them from the succeeding Georgian era. A must for lovers of old houses.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Bag Lunch Series - “Into Each Life”- A musical masterpiece
2023-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speaker: David Grimes, composer will talk about the creation of this very important piece of work which chronicles the first 21 years of his life and the impact it had on his creative and personal development. David earned his Masters of Music at the University of Toronto and co-founded the Canadian Electronic Ensemble. His composition Increscents won the CBC National Radio Competition for Young Composers.
Come hear his story.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: Free
Non-members: $5

Evening Lecture Series- Dr. Quackensbush Skis the Headwall
2023-02-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Tom Blake as he presents the misadventures of eccentric Dr, Eramus Quackenbush, African explorer, as he travels to see the Eastern Slope Region of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Filmed on Mt. Washington, Dr. Quackenbush (John Marshall) encounters famous ski personalities of the day such as Hannes Schneider, Harvey Dow Gibson, Toni Matt, Benno Rybizka and Joe Dodge. This was written, directed and filmed in 1942 by Sidney Shurcliff. Sidney Shurcliff (1906-1981) was author of several books (including “Upon the Road Argilla”) and enjoyed a long career as landscape architect.
Free for Members
Non-Members: $10

Bag Lunch Series: Nantucket Lightship/LV-12
2023-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
This vessel possess national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America. For 39 years it guided transoceanic shipping to and from the east coast ports, through some of the most treacherous shipping lanes in the world. Many famous vessels like the Queen Mary, Normandie and naval cargo vessels depended on her as a navigational aid.
Speaker: Bob Mannino will do a power point presentation about the history of the US Lightship Service and Nantucket Lightship LV-112. A must for those who love the sea.
Ipswich Seniors and Members: Free
Non-members: $5
