Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum Yard Sale
2024-07-26 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-27 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Come by our annual yard sale and find one-of-a-kind treasures. Cash, cards, & checks are accepted.

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Ipswich, MA
2024-08-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
As a kickoff to our town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, you are cordially invited to gather at the Ipswich Museum at 6:00 pm on August 31 to begin our celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Ipswich. Our own Nat Pulsifer will address the crowd regarding the significance and history of the event. At 7:00 pm, we will escort a horse-drawn carriage with a Lafayette impersonator from the South Green to the Ipswich Museum, where the General will be welcomed by Ipswich Select Board member Michael Doherty, reenacting the Town’s welcoming address to Lafayette in 1824. The carriage is a Bird-in-Hand Eaglet pulled by Blue, an American Quarter Horse owned and driven by Pam Stone of Essex. The program will end at 7:30. Bring a picnic, and period clothing is encouraged.

Bag Lunch Series: The Story of Bees
2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Eve and Sam Hamlin share details and their experiences as beekeepers along the marsh in Ipswich. They will give quick history of beekeeping over the years and talk about some of the challenges that all beekeepers face in today’s changing climate.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Evening Lecture Series: Queen Elizabeth II *This Presentation will take place at Boone Hall in Ascension Church*
2024-09-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Ascencion Church, 31 County St., Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Featuring: Sheryl Faye, actor
Back again by popular demand is Sheryl Faye and this year she has a new presentation: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. This will be terrific.
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Bag Lunch Series: Indigenous Heritage of the East Coast and the Migration of Indigenous People
2024-10-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Etay, Denise Cooper, Brian Young and other tribal members discuss their rich and honored heritage. The American Antiquarian Society, built on Nipmuc homelands is a repository for early Algonquian-language monographs, manuscript collections and early town records containing vital and unique information about Nipmuc and Indigenous peoples of the New England region.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Stylish Siblings: David Adler and Frances Elkins, Interiors at Castle Hill
2024-10-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
October 23 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Recent research has revealed that Great House architect David Adler collaborated with his sister, famed designer Francis Elkins, for the interiors at Castle Hill. Curator Susan Hill Dolan will discuss their tastemaker style and how it influenced what we see in the Crane mansion elsewhere.
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Bag Lunch Series: Historic and Ecological Significance of the Butterfly Meadow
2024-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Mike DeRosa of DeRosa & Assoc. will discuss the Butterfly Meadow. 18th and 19th century maps for Ipswich reveal the property, located across from the Heard House, remained a rare surviving example of open space along the river as the village developed its densely settled contemporary appearance. Today, the property represents a small ecological habitat. Its proximity to the Great Marsh increases its potential to attract migrating birds and butterfly populations. Mike DeRosa will talk about the meadow’s significance and diversity of soils, plant cover and invasives. DeRosa Environmental Consulting are helping with management of the meadow.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Annual Meeting
2024-11-06 18:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join us for a social gathering at 6:30 followed by our annual meeting at 7:00!

Tonight's Lecture is cancelled!
2024-11-20 19:00 - 21:30 | MA
Apologies for any inconvenience.

Grandma's Attic & Holiday Boutique
2024-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Come shop our annual holiday sale and find unique treasures for yourself or loved ones this holiday season!

Husifs & Notions: A tisket, a tasket, check out the IM's sewing basket!
2025-01-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join curator Katherine Chaison and Textile Specialist Susan Landry for an exclusive exploration of 200 years of sewing baskets and boxes from the Museum’s collection. From humble handmade pieces to exquisite ornate designs, this is a must-see for anyone passionate about the art of crafting!

Members: Free | Non-members: $5

This is not Your Parents' Solar System
2025-01-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Speaker Scott Jewell, educator, will talk about the golden years of space exploration. Our understanding of the solar system has changed so much in the last twenty years. Come spend an evening learning about our current understanding of the inner and outer planets, the Kuiper Belt, the Oort cloud, and all the other interesting objects in our heliosphere.
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Spark's Tavern
2025-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Gordon Harris, town historian, will talk about the importance of Spark’s Tavern and its role serving as a not only a watering hole but an inn, court house, and town meeting place. Ipswich did not have a town hall in the 17th century, but two very important events took place at Spark’s Tavern. It was here in 1686 that the town voted not to appoint a tax collector for the king. This is why Ipswich is known as the “Birthplace of American Independence.” Additionally, after the infamous witch trials were moved out of Salem to Spark’s Tavern, the last four accused were tried and found innocent, and outstanding charges against them were dismissed.
Members: Free | Non-members: $5

Winter Exhibit - "Fiber Arts"
2025-02-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-23 13:00 - 16:00 | MA
Come in Saturdays and Sundays through early Spring and view fiber arts pieces highlighting everything from Ipswich lace-making and embroidery to modern quilts.

Winter Exhibit - "Fiber Arts"
2025-02-16 13:00 - 16:00 | MA
Come in Saturdays and Sundays through early Spring and view fiber arts pieces highlighting everything from Ipswich lace-making and embroidery to modern quilts!

Ski America First (Documentary)
2025-02-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Join us for an exciting presentation by speaker Tom Blake as he showcases part two of the documentary, Ski America First, filmed by Sidney Shurcliff. According to the Park Service Bulletin of 1938, superintendents of Mount Rainier and Yosemite were bracing for a surge of skiers, thanks to the stunning all-natural color film, which skiing authorities have hailed as the finest of its kind in America.
This remarkable documentary captivated over 3,000 viewers during its debut at the National Geographic Society in March 1938 and has enjoyed a dozen successful screenings across the East since then. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cinematic gem that celebrates the beauty and excitement of skiing in America!
Members: Free | Non-members: $10

Winter Exhibit - "Fiber Arts"
2025-03-01 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-02 13:00 - 16:00, 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 | MA
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

Happy Birthday Paula
2025-03-03 08:00 - 17:00 | 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

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
