“A priceless reservoir of early American history”

Ipswich, Massachusetts was founded in 1634, and is America’s best-preserved Puritan town. Opposition by the people and leaders of Ipswich to a tax imposed in 1687 is commemorated in the seal of the town of Ipswich, with the motto, “The Birthplace of American Independence 1687.” View a visual index of this site below.

Featured series

Sullivan’s Corner: The Last Years of the Farm - For eight decades the Sullivan farm in Ipswich, MA practiced a pre-modern way of life. The two sisters who took over their father’s family farm in 1916 were also teachers and principals in the Ipswich schools.

Historic Ipswich

Featured posts - Featured articles and stories at the Ipswich Historical Commission site

Ipswich history - Ipswich, Massachusetts was settled in 1633 in an area the Native Americans called "Agawam," and is one of America's best-preserved Puritan towns.

Old North Burying Ground - The Old North Burying Ground in Ipswich, Massachusetts was established in 1634 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in North America.

Early settlers of Ipswich - The Puritan settlers of Ipswich arrived during the “Great Migration."

First Period and other Colonial-era houses of Ipswich - There are more remaining first Period houses ( 1625 through 1725) in Ipswich MA than any other town in the country.