Ipswich Museum

Happy Birthday Paula
2025-03-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Ascencion Church, 31 County St., Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
It’s Paula’s Birhtdy

Sharing Ipswich Stories
2025-03-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Stephanie Gaskins, Dow Curator and President of the Ipswich Museum, as she invites local residents to share thoughts about meaningful events that affected their lives and helps make Ipswich a special place.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Winter Exhibit - "Fiber Arts"
2025-03-08 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-09 01:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-30 13:00 - 16:00 and 7 more dates
Come in Saturdays and Sundays through early Spring and view fiber arts pieces highlighting everything from Ipswich lace-making and embroidery to modern quilts.
Members: Free, Non-Members: $5

The New England Tavern: More than a Drinking Place
2025-03-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join us for an engaging talk by Joe Carlin, Food Historian and Public Health Nutritionist, as he delves into the rich history of taverns as vital social hubs in American life. Explore the evolution of tavern culture from the early days of the Republic, where these establishments served as gathering places for community, commerce, and conversation.
Discover how taverns played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, hosting lively debates that influenced the nation’s future. Experience the vibrant atmosphere where Shakespeare’s plays were performed, court sessions were held, and a variety of entertainers—from musicians to magicians—thrilled patrons. Until the 20th century, taverns met the social and recreational needs now filled by motels, bars, lounges, restaurants, and country clubs. Don’t miss this fascinating exploration of a cornerstone of American social life.

Members: Free | Non-members: $10

The Birth of the Ipswich Arts Association
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
The mission of the Ipswich Art Association is to empower, promote, and advocate for all creative and performing arts and artists in Ipswich. Joan Wilking, artist, will discuss how the newly formed Ipswich Arts Association was born and its connection to our community.

Tea, Porcelain, and Opium
2025-04-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
In the wake of the American Revolution, North Shore merchants dispatched sailing ships to the Far East, racing to bring back tea, silk, pepper, and porcelain. By 1800, their ventures had transformed Essex County into one of the wealthiest regions in the United States. Join Ipswich writer Doug Stewart as he explores Ipswich’s connection to the 19th-century China Trade, including the pivotal role of Heard & Company in smuggling opium to China. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover a fascinating chapter in local history!
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Weaving Threads of Lace History
2025-04-26 10:30 - 16:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
The New England Lace Group presents, “Weaving Threads of Lace History”. Anyone interested in fiber arts or learning more about the history of lacemaking in Ipswich is welcome to attend.

Brown Bag Talk: Fiber Art & Ipswich Lace
2025-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join museum president, Stephanie Gaskins, and Collections Manager, Susan Landry, for a show and tell on Fiber Art & Ipswich Lace!
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

The Revolutionary War Letters of Joseph Hodgkins & Sarah Perkins Hodgkins
2025-05-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Gordon Harris, town historian, as he shares the poignant letters of Lieutenant Joseph Hodgkins, written in 1775 from the battlefronts of Boston and Bunker Hill to his beloved wife, Sarah. In these heartfelt correspondences, Hodgkins expresses his deep longing for home, describes the dire conditions faced by the troops, and shares news of fellow husbands and sons affected by the conflict. Over four years, he penned 68 letters while Sarah contributed more than 45 in return. This captivating lecture offers a unique glimpse into the emotions and experiences of local citizens during the Revolutionary War.
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Opening day for Tours!
2025-05-24 10:00 - 16:00

Open for tours
2025-05-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Explore our historic properties, view artwork by acclaimed Ipswich painters, and see unique pieces of Ipswich history and beyond.

Open for tours
2025-05-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-31 01:00 - 16:00

Monday Brown Bag Talk - What Should I Wear?
2025-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Ipswich Museum curator, Katherine Chaison, and Collections Manager/Textile Specialist, Susan Landy, for a show and tell of the Museum’s vast collection of clothing. These pieces have been collected over time, and give a fascinating insight into historic styles of dress.
