IPSWICH — As much as the sound of the red-winged blackbird singing from the marsh, the opening of the Heard House and Whipple House museums every spring is a sure sign warmer days will soon be here.
This promises to be an especially memorable summer for the Historical Society, which has its headquarters in the Heard House. Events are already being planned for 2009, the 375th anniversary of the town's incorporation in 1634.
The 2008 season opens May 24, and Ipswich architect Mat Cummings and timber framer Jim Whidden will present a seminar on properly restoring old buildings. Society Vice President Stephanie Gaskins also plans to have a new exhibit hung on the works of longtime Salem News photographer and Ipswich resident Peter Zaharis.
For many years, Zaharis was the photographer high school students went to for school yearbook photos.
Also on the menu is a lace-making demonstration, a Maypole dance and a scavenger hunt. The museum's collection of 19th-century carriages will also be on display.
Tours of the two houses and the housewife garden at the Whipple House will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with other activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is free, but refreshments will be sold. Dress up in period costumes if you really want to get in the swing of things.
The museums are at the intersection of South Main Street and County Road.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
