Simone Lawson
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. It is maintained in its 1812-era configuration and is open to visitors who can safely walk aboard the ship's top deck unassisted. Those who wish to access the below decks must climb steep ladder-like steps, and wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board. While there is no explicit mention of citizenship requirements, the ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, USA, and is operated by the US Navy, which may imply that access is primarily intended for US citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston |
| Visiting hours | Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | Free |
| Accessibility | Visitors must be able to climb steep ladder-like steps unassisted. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board. Visitors with service animals can tour the top deck. |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, is part of the Boston National Historical Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The museum, situated near the ship at the end of Boston's Freedom Trail, is housed in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2.
The museum tells the story of the USS Constitution and the people who designed, built, and sailed her through its collections and interactive exhibits. It is home to the Samuel Eliot Morison Memorial Library, which includes a comprehensive archive of records related to the ship's history. The museum also features exhibits such as "All Hands on Deck," which explores life at sea during the War of 1812 through interactive activities suitable for all ages.
The privately-run museum opened on April 8, 1976, and is a private, non-profit organization managed separately from the naval ship. The museum's Board of Directors makes several annual awards to recognize individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the community, maritime preservation, and shipbuilding traditions. These awards include the Samuel Eliot Morison Award, which honours those whose public service has enhanced the image of the Constitution, and the Don Turner Award, which recognises dedication to maritime preservation and advancements in ship construction and design.
The USS Constitution Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the ship and honouring those who have contributed to its legacy. Through its exhibits and programmes, the museum provides a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into the past and celebrating the achievements of those associated with the USS Constitution.
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Visiting requirements
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It is open to the public and visitors can access the ship for free on a first-come, first-served basis. The ship is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.
There are, however, some visiting requirements and security considerations to keep in mind. The USS Constitution is an active-duty ship operated by the U.S. Navy, so visitors must adhere to their security requirements. Visitors who can safely walk aboard the Ship's top (spar) deck unassisted can access the ship. Those who require wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or strollers will not be allowed on board and must leave them on the pier while touring the ship.
Service animals are authorized to tour the top (spar) deck, but providing proof of the animal's status as a verified service animal will make the security screening procedure more efficient. It is important to note that access to the below decks requires climbing and descending steep ladder-like steps. Visitors should be physically able to navigate these steps if they wish to explore the lower decks of the ship.
The USS Constitution Museum, located nearby, offers a captivating journey into American maritime history. The museum provides immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts that showcase the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on board. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and relies on donations to keep its doors open.
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World's oldest naval warship
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 naval warship still afloat. The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington for the frigates that were to be constructed. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. The USS Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, using pine and oak. The ship's construction also involved the forced labour of enslaved people.
Over the years, the USS Constitution has undergone multiple refittings, which have removed most of its original construction components and design. The ship is most noted for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing numerous British merchantmen and five warships. This led to the public adoration that saved it from scrapping. During the American Civil War, the USS Constitution served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy.
After World War II, the USS Constitution remained at the Boston Navy Yard and was open to the public free of charge. Today, visitors can still tour the ship and experience a piece of American naval history firsthand. The ship has also been commemorated on a stamp by the United States Postal Service and is the subject of a privately run museum.
While the USS Constitution is the oldest naval warship still afloat, there are other older ships that are no longer in active use. Many of the oldest ships in the world date back to between 500 AD and 1918, with some even older ships covered in the list of surviving ancient ships. These ships include warships, yachts, tall ships, and vessels recovered during archaeological excavations.
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History and legacy
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick and required wood from 60 acres of trees, primarily pine and oak. The construction also involved the forced labour of enslaved people.
Old Ironsides played a pivotal role in the War of 1812 and has remained in commission ever since. After World War II, the ship was opened to the public free of charge at the Boston Navy Yard. It was recommissioned in 1940 at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt and was assigned a crew of about 30 sailors to perform maintenance and provide guided tours. In 1954, an Act of Congress made the Secretary of the Navy responsible for her upkeep.
The privately-run USS Constitution Museum opened in 1976 and is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. The museum offers a journey into American maritime history and highlights the legacy of Old Ironsides through exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts. The ship remains an active-duty vessel operated by the U.S. Navy, and visitors can explore the top (spar) deck, while access to the below decks requires climbing steep ladder-like steps.
The USS Constitution has been maintained in its 1812-era configuration and continues to be a symbol of American naval history. It has hosted notable visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who toured the ship during a state visit in 1976. The ship's legacy is further highlighted through popular culture references, such as a stamp issued by the United States Postal Service in 1947, honouring its enduring presence in the nation's naval history and its role in protecting American merchant shipping.
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Security and maintenance
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and is one of six original frigates authorised by the Naval Act of 1794. The ship is maintained in its 1812-era configuration and is currently an active-duty ship operated by the U.S. Navy. The ship is open to the public and offers a glimpse into American maritime history, showcasing its role in the War of 1812 and the lives of the sailors who served on board.
To ensure the safety and security of visitors, the USS Constitution has specific access requirements. Visitors must be able to walk aboard the Ship's top (spar) deck unaided, as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed onboard due to the steep ladder-like steps leading to the below decks. Service animals are authorised to accompany their owners on the top deck, and providing proof of the animal's status can expedite the security screening process.
The ship has a rich history, including the controversy surrounding the installation of a figurehead of President Jackson, which led to death threats and attempts to remove it. The figurehead was eventually partially removed by a merchant captain, Samuel Dewey, who returned the severed head to the Secretary of the Navy, where it remained on display for many years.
Over the years, the ship experienced deterioration and even faced the removal of items by souvenir hunters. However, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the ship, including the opening of the USS Constitution Museum in 1976. The museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, relies on donations and provides an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the ship's history and significance.
The USS Constitution continues to be a symbol of American maritime power and history, with a dedicated crew for its maintenance and preservation. It remains a popular attraction, offering guided tours and providing an educational journey into the past for visitors from all around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the USS Constitution is open to all visitors, regardless of citizenship. However, access to the ship is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the top deck unassisted.
Yes, wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed onboard the USS Constitution. Visitors with service animals are limited to the top deck, and providing proof of the animal's status as a service animal will streamline the security screening process.
No, admission to the USS Constitution is free, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
