Summer Program, 2013
2013 marks our centennial--we were founded by a group of New Ipswich citizens in 1913, one hundred years ago. To mark the occasion, we held a birthday party for the Society on August 22. President Greg Hanselman gave an interesting report on recent changes to our exhibitions. This summer, two artifacts that have been on exhibit at Historic New England's Barrett House returned to us.
Sitting on top of the Batchellor chest is a model of the Barrett Mansion, so-called "Forest Hall," made Nat Ober and his brother, Richard when they were young boys. Nat, who died in July of 2011, was a long-time board member and friend of the Historical Society and is sorely missed by all who knew him. The model is a gift of his wife, Marcia Ober.
The highlight of the meeting was a talk given by Linda Chase about the founding of the Society. The early years were marked by many of the same issues that characterize the society today--a compelling desire to preserve the history of New Ipswich and its people, sometimes hampered by funding problems and limited space, but always exhibiting a commitment to community and fellowship among the members.
For more highlights of our Centennial celebration, watch this brief video.