The USS Constitution serves as the memory and educational voice of USS CONSTITUTION, by collecting, preserving and interpreting the stories of "Old Ironsides" and the people associated with her. We seek to create positive, memorable experiences for both children and adults through scholarship and innovation as we share CONSTITUTION''s contributions and stories with a global audience.
Results: Celebrating 40 years of being open to the public in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Opened a new multi-purpose education center for visitors of all ages in 2017.
Provide free educational programs and transportation to Boston Public School groups and summer programs .
Debuted a new introductory film on the history of USS CONSTITUTION in 2016
Opened a new exhibit on the construction of CONSTITUTION in the 1890's in 2016.
Our award-winning exhibits and programs are designed to engage family members of all ages.
Target demographics: serve as the educational voice and memory of USS CONSTITUTION
Direct beneficiaries per year: More than 528,000 visitors and 17,000 youth and student visitors
Geographic areas served: Boston, MA
Programs: Amazing hands-on, minds-on exhibits: Forest to Frigate; follow CONSTITUTION’s story from construction to launch; Old Ironsides 1812 Discovery Center; learn the causes, effects, and outcomes of the War of 1812 from the point of view of all participants; All Hands on Deck; join CONSTITUTION’s crew and experience a day in the life of a sailor in 1812.
Daily programs designed for all ages are led by talented Educators and Constitution crewmembers and feature hands-on learning, crafting, and fun. Examples include: Tools of the Trade: Caulking; Life at Sea; and the Outrun and Outgun Design Challenge.
USS CONSTITUTION’s past comes to life through objects, stories, and hands-on experiences with a visit to the USS Constitution Museum. Educational programs designed for students in grades K-12 are cross- disciplinary and include 21st Century skill development. From self-guided exploration in our award winning exhibits to fun interpretive programs led by our talented staff, there is something for every group to discover.
A few weeks ago my Wife and I brought three of our Grandsons to the Freedom Trail. Like far too many locals, the boys had never been on it. By the time we reached your museum we were all a bit exhausted but I am so glad we took the time to go in!
I have never experienced a museum more welcoming than yours. From the terrific introductory film to the hammocks, we really gained a sense of what it was like to be an 1812 sailor and we left with a very real appreciation of Constitution's rich legacy.
I might add that your employees are the finest on the Freedom Trail. Our special thanks go to the staff who each took the time to share fascinating tales with us. After an afternoon of encountering tour guides and museum workers who ran the gamut from indifferent to downright surly it was a such a pleasure to meet three people who brought such genuine enthusiasm to their jobs!
So my thanks to all of you. You managed to keep two octogenarians and three teenage boys thoroughly engaged. No mean feat in either case!
