Ipswich museums prepare for tour season

By Steve Landwehr
Staff writer

May 07, 2008 05:45 am

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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.