As a small-town museum, the Ipswich Museum provides a fascinating look into the history of a beautiful, old coastal Massachusetts town. Artifacts and architecture from the town's founding years and art and photography from the past 350 years are on display throughout two properties — the 1677 Whipple House and the 1800 Heard House.Best and worst time to go to the Ipswich MuseumThe museum is open all day Thursday–Saturday, and on Sunday afternoons. Because of the museum's size and location, you will rarely find it too busy for enjoyment, but you should plan your visit to Ipswich for June, July or September, when you can enjoy many of Ipswich's outdoor charms as well, including Crane Beach. In addition, the museum puts on special exhibits during the summer months, often showcasing local contemporary artists.Must see/do at the Ipswich MuseumIpswich contains more First Period (circa 1625-1725) houses than any other community in the U.S., and the superior preservation shows off that particular architecture to good effect. The arrangement of original and historical furniture and the accompanying tour offer an interesting look into colonial life in Ipswich. In the Heard House, make sure to check out the exhibit on Ipswich's fascinating history of trade with China.Admission to the Ipswich MuseumYou can choose either to see the museum in its entirety, including the Heard House, the Whipple House and outbuildings, or you can choose one house. The first option will cost $7-20, and the second will cost $5-15.Parking and public transportation to the Ipswich MuseumThere is a parking lot at the main entrance at the Heard House, as well as a public public parking lot around the corner on South Main Street. If you are staying outside of Ipswich, the Newburyport/Rockport line of the MBTA commuter rail from North Station in Boston services the Ipswich train station, which is half a mile from the Ipswich Museum.Food at the Ipswich MuseumThere is no cafe within the museum itself, but downtown Ipswich is only a 5-minute walk away, with several food options readily available. After your tour, go for coffee or ice cream at Zumi's or a sandwich at the Five Corners Deli.Insider tip for visitors to the Ipswich MuseumThe Ipswich Visitor Center is located in the historic Hall Haskell House just down the road from the Ipswich Museum. If you haven't gotten your fill of history after visiting the museum, stop by the Visitor Center for a wealth of information on other sites in Ipswich, including walking tours of the historic downtown and its many First Period homes.Author's bio: Julia O'Connor is a full-time editor and part-time freelance writer transplanted from Boston to Denver. She is thriving on the transition and has enjoyed the exploration of both cities and everything in between.