Ipswich Museum

Open for tours
2025-09-07 13:00, 2025-09-11 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 13 more dates | MA
Explore our historic properties, view artwork by acclaimed Ipswich painters, and see unique pieces of Ipswich history and beyond.

Classified Ipswich: The Story of the Proximity Fuse
2025-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
Join us for a panel discussion around Ipswich’s role in the development of the proximity fuse (via the Sylvania Co), and its importance in WWII. We’ll learn about the science behind this technology and impact it had on the war effort. Participants will include Donna Riccardi with historical context, Traci Hendrickson sharing her grandmother’s story (Theresa Peatfield, secretary), and Kiki Papgiotas, Pat Gustoavson, and Jayne Viladenis will share their father’s story (Philip Vilandenis, project manager).
We hope you join us for this multi-faceted discussion on a little known piece of Ipswich history!
Members: Free, Non-Members $5

Francis Henry Richardson: Ipswich Years - Wednesday Evening Lecture
2025-09-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Richardson shared the spotlight with fellow Ipswich artists Henry R. Kenyon, John Worthington Mansfield, and others during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Join Stephanie Gaskins, Dow curator and granddaughter of Francis Henry Richardson, for a fascinating lecture on his Ipswich works and years spent there.

A Conversation About the Climate
2025-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join Sam Hamlin, educator, for a discussion about climate change. Sam will guide the discussion using the En-ROADS simulator. Developed by MIT, it allows users to explore the impact that dozens of policies have on factors like energy prices, temperature, air quality, and sea level rise.

Birds of Essex County: A Personal Journey
2025-10-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join us for an enlightening presentation by Jim Berry, Ornithologist, as he unveils his updated edition of Charles Wendell Townsend’s The Birds of Essex County. This comprehensive two-volume set catalogs a wide variety of bird species that visit our yards, woodlands, marshes, and coastlines, reflecting their natural history up to 2022.
Jim enriches the work with his personal observations on taxonomy, songs, calls, and behaviors of these fascinating birds. A dedicated member of the Nest Record Program at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology since 1975, Jim has also been actively involved with various ornithological organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the avian life in Essex County!
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Grandma's Attic Holiday Sale
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States

Objects of Interest
2026-01-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join curator, Katherine Chaison as she selects items and objects from our vast collection to share with our members. It is always fun to see rare items that are not in public view.

The History of Ipswich Education
2026-01-21 19:30 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Scott Jewel, board member and teacher will talk about Ipswich’s rich history and at the heart of that story is education. From the earliest colonial days, learning has always been a cornerstone of this community. Today, we will explore how education in Ipswich has grown and transformed over the centuries, and we’ll take a look ahead at where it might be headed in the future. I invite you to join me on this journey through the evolution of education in Ipswich.

Ipswich Lace
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Come hear Susan Landry, textile specialist as she talks about the history of Ipswich Lace and show objects from our collection used to make the lace. Included in this talk will be lace patterns, pricklings, and Ipswich lace samples made over the years. There will be some modern lace making tools on view as well as a short demonstration.

February Vacation Art Workshop Lunar New Year
2026-02-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join us at the Ipswich Museum for a vacation-week exploration of the Lunar New Year. We’ll read a festive story, learn about the traditions of the Year of the Horse, and create themed art projects to celebrate.
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 10:30-12:00 PM
Ages: 6-10
Cost: $25
Location: Whipple House Classroom
