Content is regularly added to this page as new collections are processed. Indexes and finding aids are provided here whenever possible.
The Index to Obituaries is a guide to obituary listings found in our local newspapers from 1837-2009. Each entry provides the date of the newspaper and its corresponding page number. Entries are arranged in alphabetical order by last name, first name, and middle initial.
IPL’s art collection ranges from sculpture to oil paintings. Arthur Wesley Dow, artist and Ipswich native, is well represented. Paintings, drawings, and some 3d objects including a small vase collection are installed throughout the library and on view during regular open hours.
Ipswich boasts 59 extant first period (1625 – 1725) homes, the largest number standing in the country. Beyond that, many structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Compiled from references available in the Ipswich Library in July 2001 this list of First and Second Period Houses in Ipswich includes original owners and current location.
Dozens of properties were surveyed in 1978 by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Basic information about these structures is available on the MACRIS (Massachusetts Cultural Resource and Information System) website. Search by town, common name of structure, date and more.
Narrative and worksheets for the survey are available in print in the Archives Reading Room.
The Cable Hospital operated in Ipswich from 1915 – 1979. The Auxiliary was formed in 1956 to provide volunteer service and fundraising efforts. Minutes, by-laws, member lists, newsletters, programs, newspaper clippings 1956-1981.
The Friends group is a volunteer organization that supports library programs and facilities. Records of operation from 1937-2014.
Friends of the Ipswich Public Library Finding Aid
The Ipswich Garden club, a women’s organization, was founded in 1927 and continues operations today.
Minutes, financial records, by-laws, annual programs, lists of officers and members, correspondence, plans, photographs, newspaper clippings from the Club’s inception in 1927 to the present.
Records of the Ipswich chapter (Agawam) of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.
Material dates from 1921 – 2004.
4.5 boxes.
Ipswich Daughters of the American Revolution Records Finding Aid
Late 19th and early 20th century photograph collection of Ipswich and surrounding region. Many photographs undated and unidentified. 1.8 linear feet.
Documents from 1958 to 2009 about and by writer John Updike, a former resident of Ipswich. Includes a condolence letter written by John Updike, two extensive bibliographies, the transcript of filmed interview in 1966, the index of items related to John Updike in the Ipswich Chronicle from 1958 to 1979, copies of the John Updike Newsletter, a few photographs, and copies of a play written by John Updike called Three Texts from Early Ipswich, a Pageant. Collection also contains copies of periodical articles related to John Updike.
Minutes, by-laws, reports on community meetings, bulletins, newspaper clippings 1953-1999.
Contains papers of Benjamin Ellsworth, Lighthouse Keeper from 1861 to 1902, including documents on Ipswich Lighthouse, correspondence (1864 to 1962) reports (1873 to 1895), and miscellaneous items. Most documents donated to Ipswich Public Library in 1975 by Carolyn Eaton, great-granddaughter of Benjamin Ellsworth.
The Ipswich Parish Players were a drama group active in the 1930’s to 1950’s organized by Director Sumner Nichols.
Manuscripts, photographs, articles, correspondence and artifacts relating to Emma Safford (1879-1958), an Ipswich resident and descendant of the Wampanoag Sachem Massasoit. The collection contains information on Native Americans in Massachusetts.
Correspondence, pamphlets, memorabilia of 19th century Ipswich scientist
and benefactor of Ipswich Public Library (1791-1872).
Interviews conducted as part of the oral history project Ipswich Speaks These audiocassettes are currently available for use in the reading room. A cassette player will be provided.
The Tiger, Ipswich’s annual high school yearbook is available in print in the Archives Reading Room or online at the Internet Archive.
Ipswich Newspapers are available on microfilm for viewing in the Archives Reading Room.
Please click HERE to view and search Ipswich Newspapers online.
| Columbian Sentinel | September 1814-Dec. 1818 |
| National Gazette | January-December 1822 |
| Ipswich Register | June 1837-May 1838 |
| Ipswich Bulletin | October 1866-September 1867 |
| Ipswich Independent | January 1886-November 1901 |
| Ipswich Today | August 1970-October 1983 |
| Today’s Magazine | October 1986-July 1989 |
| Ipswich Observer | May 1994-September 1999 |
| Ipswich Chronicle | April 1875 to the present |
Vital records including birth, death, and marriage. Tax documents, land grants, selectman’s papers and town meeting minutes. This material is available on microfilm for use in the Archives Reading Room.
A microfilm inventory is available.
View Town Reports online via the Internet Archive.