Eleanor Finch
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The USS Constitution Museum in Boston, which opened in 1976, showcases the ship's 200-year history. The museum offers interactive exhibits, such as Life at Sea, where visitors can experience sailors' routines in the early 19th century, and The Old Ironsides Experience Gallery, where they can fire a cannon or steer the ship. The ship itself, located at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, is open to the public year-round and occasionally makes turnaround cruises into Boston Harbour, providing a unique glimpse into naval history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | USS Constitution |
| Other Names | Old Ironsides, New Ironsides |
| Type | Three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate |
| Owner | United States Navy |
| Museum | USS Constitution Museum, Boston |
| Museum Opening Date | 8 April 1976 |
| Museum Location | Restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two, Boston |
| Museum Exhibits | Life at Sea, The Great Chase, The Old Ironsides Experience Gallery |
| Museum Features | 200-seat Harry E. Figgy, Jr., Theater and Education Center, Seasonal mini-golf course |
| Status | Open to the public year-round |
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution Museum
The museum's exhibits bring to life the stories of the crew and sailors' routines in the early 19th century. Visitors can explore interactive displays, such as hoisting a sail, steering the ship, and climbing into a hammock in the "Life at Sea" exhibit. The "Great Chase" exhibit offers a thrilling experience, allowing visitors to join the crew as they escape a pursuing British squadron. The museum also features a seasonal mini-golf course, with each hole representing a significant event in the ship's history.
The USS Constitution herself takes cruises into Boston Harbour, firing blanks from her guns, and is open to the public year-round. The ship's maintenance, repair, and restoration are managed by the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston, preserving her 1812 configuration.
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The ship's history
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, and the third to be constructed. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of the period. The USS Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. Its first duties included providing protection for American merchant shipping.
The ship has a rich history, including a notable voyage in 1865 when, despite her age, she was recorded running at 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) and arriving at Hampton Roads ten hours ahead of the tug. In 1927, the ship underwent a restoration, and in 1973-74, she was in dry dock. The USS Constitution Museum, located in Boston, was established in 1976 to showcase the ship's history. The museum features exhibits such as "Life at Sea," which details sailors' routines in the early 19th century, and "The Old Ironsides Experience Gallery," where visitors can interactively fire a cannon or steer the ship.
The USS Constitution typically makes at least one "turnaround cruise" each year, during which she is towed into Boston Harbor to perform demonstrations, including gun drills. The ship is open to the public year-round, and visitors can learn about the crew through portraits, artifacts, and exhibits. The ship has become a symbol of national pride, representing the undefeated sailing frigate that was built and sailed from Boston.
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Life at sea
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, has a rich history dating back to its launch in 1797. As one of the six original frigates authorised by the Naval Act of 1794, it holds the distinction of being the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. With 77 commanders throughout its long service, the ship has earned its place in naval history.
In the "Life at Sea" exhibit, visitors can get a hands-on experience of hoisting a sail and manning a ship's wheel on a rolling deck. They can also climb into hammocks, similar to those used by the crew, and learn about their daily routines, including mealtimes and duties. The exhibit showcases the lives of officers and ship boys, offering a comprehensive view of the ship's hierarchy and the roles played by each member of the crew.
The museum also features "The Old Ironsides Experience Gallery," where visitors can interact with exhibits such as firing a cannon from the deck of a rolling ship or steering the Constitution on a voyage. This gallery provides a thrilling glimpse into the ship's famous engagements and allows visitors to connect with the past through interactive presentations.
The USS Constitution Museum is more than just a collection of artefacts; it is a living testament to the ship's glory and a symbol of national pride. Through its exhibits, the museum brings to life the stories of the crew, including a black Bostonian who abandoned ship and was captured as a fugitive slave, and a Greek orphan who began a 53-year naval career at the age of ten. These personal narratives add a layer of depth and humanity to the ship's history, making it relatable and engaging for visitors.
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The ship's bicentennial
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and was one of the first six frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794.
In 1997, the USS Constitution sailed in honour of the bicentennial of her launch. The ship led a parade of tall ships up Boston Harbour for Operation Sail, firing her guns at one-minute intervals for the first time in approximately 100 years. The ship then rendered a 21-gun salute to Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived for a state visit.
The USS Constitution Museum, located nearby the ship in Boston, also helps visitors relive the 200-year story of Old Ironsides. The museum features exhibits such as "Life at Sea", which details sailors' routines in the early 19th century, and "The Great Chase", an interactive computer presentation that allows visitors to become members of the crew as the ship escapes a pursuing British squadron.
The bicentennial celebration of the ship's launch in 1997 was a significant event that highlighted the rich history and significance of the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, as the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
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The ship's restoration
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The USS Constitution Museum, located nearby in Charlestown, Boston, helps history enthusiasts relive the 200-year story of this undefeated American warship. The museum is housed in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two and showcases the ship's rich history through exhibits, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
The restoration and preservation of the USS Constitution have been a collaborative effort involving various organisations and individuals. The ship's keel was laid in 1794, and its construction required 60 acres of trees, primarily pine and oak. The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 175 feet between perpendiculars and a total length of 204 feet. Over time, the ship has undergone multiple repairs and restorations to maintain its structural integrity.
One significant aspect of the restoration process is the use of white oak from Constitution Grove in Indiana. Commander Martin dedicated this 25,000-acre tract of land, which now supplies most of the white oak needed for repair work. The Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston plays a crucial role in the ship's maintenance, repair, and restoration, striving to maintain its 1812 configuration as closely as possible.
The USS Constitution Museum also contributes to the ship's restoration efforts. The museum's exhibits provide a glimpse into the ship's past and the lives of its crew. For example, the "Life at Sea" exhibit allows visitors to experience sailors' routines in the early 19th century, including hoisting sails, steering the ship, and sleeping in hammocks. The "Great Chase" exhibit offers an interactive experience where visitors join the crew as the ship escapes a pursuing British squadron, recalling the events of July 1812.
The museum has undergone expansions and renovations to enhance the visitor experience and showcase the ship's history better. In 1993, a major expansion project was undertaken to connect the present facility with nearby buildings, renovate the gift shop, and improve the main entrance. The museum also curates special exhibits to commemorate significant events, such as the 150th anniversary of the Constitution's 'round-the-world cruise under Captain John "Mad Jack" Percival, featuring sketches made by one of the ship's officers during the voyage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the USS Constitution Museum is located in Boston, nearby the ship at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard. The museum is privately run and was opened in 1976.
The museum features exhibits detailing sailors' life in the early 19th century, including artefacts, portraits, and wooden cutouts of reenactors. Visitors can also watch a video tour of the ship and participate in interactive experiences, such as firing a cannon or steering the ship.
Yes, the USS Constitution is open to the public year-round. The ship occasionally makes turnaround cruises into Boston Harbour, which are open to the public through a lottery draw.
