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Historical Commission
About the Commission
The Ipswich Historical Commission was established in 1964 by Town Meeting to support the preservation of the Town's historical properties and archaeological assets. It acts to advise property owners, implements the town’s Demolition Review Bylaw when necessary, and works with the Planning Department and in cooperation with the Building Department. The Ipswich Historical Commission has information on historic houses, the Mary P. Conley award, historic publications, and much more.
Meetings
The Historical Commission typically meets at 7:00 P.M. the 2nd Monday of every month. Meetings are currently being held on Zoom with login information posted on the monthly agendas. Pre-pandemic, meetings were held in person in the Mary P. Conley Room of Town Hall (located on the lower level).
The Planning & Development Department provides administrative assistance to the Commission.
If you have an inquiry for the Historical Commission, please attend the meeting during the Citizens' Queries portion of their meetings. You may also call 978-356-6607 or submit an inquiry in writing to the Planning Office at andreab@ipswichma.gov which will then be shared with the Commission.
Ipswich also has an active Architectural Preservation District Commission (APDC). For more information about the Architectural Preservation District, including a map of the district and the bylaw and regulations that govern the District, please visit this webpage.
Members
- Laura Gresh, Vice-Chair (2026)
- Gordon Harris (also serves as Town Historian) (2024)
- Rachel Meyer, Treasurer (2025)
- Stephen Miles (2024)
- Mariana Ovnic, Chair (2024)
- Lindsay Randall, Clerk (2024)
- Christine Sarantopoulos (2024)
- Alternate Members
- Open
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Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View All Agendas and Minutes Prior to 2013
An inventory List of Historic Buildings in Ipswich, updated in October 2021, can be viewed here.
* Ipswich Historic Streetscapes Guidelines
* MACRIS historic properties database
* Ipswich Demolition Review Bylaw
* Historic houses interactive map and info
* First Period houses
* First Period houses walking tour
* Obtaining plaques for historic houses
* Painting your house in an historical color
*Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
* Preservation agreements
* Mary Conley award
* Historic districts
* Architectural Preservation District
* Old North Burying Ground
* Master Plan for the Old North Burying Ground
* Town Historian’s website
* Ipswich Visitor Center