Historic Ipswich

Resistance to taxation without representation in 1687 earned Ipswich, Massachusetts, the title “Birthplace of American Independence.” The town boasts the nation’s largest collection of remaining 17th-century houses, and over half of its land is designated as open space, including beautiful Crane Beach.

Ipswich Visitor Center

The Ipswich Visitor Center in the 1820 Hall-Haskell House at 36 S. Main St. operates seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend until Indigenous Peoples Day. Friendly volunteers provide abundant information, maps, and brochures, supported by the Essex National Heritage Area and Ipswich ReCreation and Culture. The Hall-Haskell House Gallery showcases local & regional artists, changing weekly from June – October.

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Ipswich Independence Day Walking and Bicycling Parade And Town Hall Field Day

Ipswich July 4, 2026 walking and bicycles parade route

The Town of Ipswich July 4 Independence Day Parade on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will be a historic walking and bicycle event. We muster at 9:30 am at Winthrop School, to decorate bikes, trikes and wagons, and the one-mile parade begins promptly at 10:00 am. This year’s parade and community walk will pass by 45 homes that were standing during the Revolutionary War. The parade reaches Town Hall about 10:30 for a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by patriotic field games with refreshments, Dixieland music and more. Student Volunteers are wanted for the 13 Colony Roll Call. Adults please sign up to be Field Officers.