Mission Statement of the Ipswich Room Archives

Ipswich Public Library

The mission of the Ipswich Room Archives is to collect, preserve and make available to researchers printed, manuscript and visual materials concerning

the history, people, institutions, government, businesses, built and natural environments of the Town of Ipswich, including those areas of the original Town which were incorporated as separate communities. These materials are arranged for use by researchers and, as far as possible, finding aids and electronic cataloging information is provided to promote use of these collections.

Facility

Located on the lower level of the Ipswich Public Library, the Archives are housed in a climate-controlled, secure room, which is handicapped accessible. Available for use in the Archives are the following:

• manuscripts

• monographs

• newspapers and magazines on microfilm

• maps

• photographs

• Town records on microfilm

• Canon microfilm reader/printer

• Dell personal computer (no printer)

• Paper and pencils
  

A photocopier with change-maker is available for use on the main floor of the library.  Copies are 15 cents per page. Items in the Archives may be photographed without flash only.

Schedule

The Archives are open for use during regular library hours:  

Monday	9 am - 8 pm
Tuesday	9 am - 8 pm
Wednesday	9 am - 8 pm
Thursday	9 am - 5 pm
Friday	9 am - 5 pm
Saturday	9 am - 4 pm
Sunday	1- 4 pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays in summer

General Information

The Archives at Ipswich Public Library contain a wide selection of materials on local history and genealogical information. Many items are in fragile condition and require careful treatment. All materials are for use in the Archives only and do not circulate.

Sign-in is required at the Circulation Desk. You will be asked to read the “Guidelines for Handling Archival Materials” and “Guidelines for Public Use.” 

Your driver’s license or similar ID will be held during your visit. A staff-member will accompany you to the Archives. You will need to leave any personal items in a (lockable) locker or on the coat rack outside the Archives door. Items not permitted include books, pens, briefcases, handbags or bulky coats. Laptop computers are allowed. Writing should be done with pencil only. Please consult a staff member before photocopying any materials.  

Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted at any time. Books and other materials should be left on the cart by the door after use -- please do not re-shelve.  

Collections

The following are brief descriptions of the varied collections available in the Archives:

Local Newspapers on Microfilm

Research Fee

The Reference Librarian, Paula Grillo, will perform a brief search of the materials in our Archives regarding your mailed-in request. The fee for the search is $15.00 plus the cost of photocopies (15 cents per page) and postage. A maximum of 35 photocopies will be provided.

If the Reference Librarian determines  that significant research time is required she will provide you with the names and addresses to local genealogists who do this type of research for a fee.

To contact the Reference Librarian, please call 978.356.6648 or mail correspondence to:

                                          Ipswich Public Library
                                              Attn: Paula Grillo
                                          25 North Main Street
                                            Ipswich, MA 01938

Historic Houses

Click here for listing of First & Second Period  Houses in Ipswich. The Adobe Acrobat program is needed to view this file. You may down load
this software now.

Ipswich Historical Society

Most of the manuscript collections of the Ipswich Historical Society is housed in four locked file cabinets in the Archives. Access to the files requires making an appointment in advance with a member of the Historical Society. You can reach them at 978-356-2811. The indexed card file to this information is on top of the cabinets and is available for use whenever the Library is open. 

The collection includes correspondence, deeds, genealogical notes, notebooks, diaries, account books, and other materials. Items of special interest include records of the Ipswich Female Seminary (1826-1863), which drew many young women to town, including Mary Lyon, founder of Mt. Holyoke College; the diary of Mary E. Brown (1898) with reflections on daily life; and the original records of the Feofees of Ipswich These files also include manuscripts belonging to the Ipswich Historical Commission and the Town of Ipswich.

Click here for more information on the Ipswich Historical Society.

 
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