Lisa Poole for The Boston Globe

The 1657 Alexander Knight House was built on the grounds of the Ipswich Museum using traditional tools, materials, and methods.

Lisa Poole for The Boston Globe

Volunteers reconstructing the 1657 Alexander Knight House piqued the curiosity of passersby.

Lisa Poole for The Boston Globe

Justin Keegan used a replica period ax.

Lisa Poole for The Boston Globe

Volunteers devoted countless hours to everything from historic research to masonry to website design.

Lisa Poole for The Boston Globe

Mathew Cummings helped put together the thatched roof using traditional methods.