Simone Lawson
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. It is open to the public and visitors can explore the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on it. The ship is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and offers free tours year-round, providing an immersive experience of American maritime history. Visitors to the USS Constitution Museum can also view engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts, while the ship itself typically makes at least one turnaround cruise each year, during which it performs underway demonstrations in Boston Harbour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston |
| Visiting Hours | Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Admission | Free, first-come-first-serve basis |
| Security | Screening and federal or state photo identification required |
| Accessibility | Limited to those who can walk aboard unassisted; not accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers |
| Turnaround Cruise | Open to the public based on a lottery draw |
| Museum | Privately run, non-profit organization |
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution Museum is open to the public year-round
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. This three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate, launched in 1797, is a true relic of maritime history. Maintained in its 1812-era configuration, the ship is open to the public year-round and offers free tours.
The ship is berthed at Pier One of the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, at the terminus of Boston's Freedom Trail. Visitors to the USS Constitution are required to pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification. Visitors under the age of 18 do not need photo identification but must go through the screening process. Similar to airport security, visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and bags for examination.
The USS Constitution Museum, located nearby in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two, is also open to the public year-round. The museum offers an immersive experience, showcasing the ship's rich history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on board. Through interactive exhibits and artefacts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the ship's significance. The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is free.
The museum is committed to accessibility for all visitors. The two floors of exhibits are physically accessible to walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. Service animals are welcome but must be under the owner's control. The museum relies on donations to keep its doors open, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and learn about the USS Constitution's legacy.
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Charlestown Navy Yard location
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 and is one of six original frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794.
The USS Constitution is located at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. The Navy Yard is at the terminus of Boston's Freedom Trail. The ship is open to the public year-round, offering free tours to visitors. However, access is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the Ship's top (spar) deck unassisted. Those with limited mobility should note that wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board and must be left on the pier during the tour. All visitors are required to pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification.
The USS Constitution Museum is located nearby the ship in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two. The museum offers a captivating journey into American maritime history through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts. Visitors can explore the ship's history, including 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 admission is free.
In addition to visiting the ship and museum, the public can also participate in the annual "turnaround cruise". During this event, the USS Constitution is towed into Boston Harbour to perform underway demonstrations, including a gun drill, before returning to her dock. The "turnaround cruise" is open to the general public based on a "lottery draw" of interested persons each year.
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Security screening and photo ID required
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is indeed open to the public. The ship is located at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and offers free admission on a first-come, first-served basis. However, visitors should be aware of the ship's security requirements. All visitors to the USS Constitution must undergo a security screening and present federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. This process is similar to airport security, and visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and any bags for examination. Visitors under the age of 18 are exempt from providing photo identification but must still go through the screening process.
The security measures in place at the USS Constitution are necessary due to the ship's status as an active-duty naval vessel. The ship is maintained in its 1812-era configuration, and access is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the top (spar) deck unassisted. Visitors with service animals are permitted on the top deck, and providing proof of the animal's service status can expedite the security screening process.
The security screening and photo ID requirements ensure the safety of both visitors and staff aboard the USS Constitution. By screening visitors and verifying their identities, the ship's crew can maintain a secure environment while allowing the public to explore this historic naval vessel. It is important for visitors to comply with these requirements and arrive prepared to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process.
The USS Constitution is committed to providing an accessible and engaging experience for all visitors. After completing the security screening and presenting their photo ID, visitors can explore the ship's rich history, including its role in the War of 1812, and learn about the lives of the sailors who served aboard. The ship also offers educational programmes and special events, providing a unique opportunity to understand the Navy's role in war and peace.
In addition to the ship itself, visitors can also explore the nearby USS Constitution Museum, which offers a wealth of exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts related to the ship's history. The museum is located in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two and is open year-round, providing immersive experiences and insights into the legacy of Old Ironsides.
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The ship's top deck is wheelchair accessible
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, having been launched in 1797. The ship is open to the public and offers free tours, but visitors must pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification.
While the USS Constitution is committed to accessibility for all visitors, there are some limitations when it comes to touring the ship. The top (spar) deck of the ship is wheelchair accessible, and visitors with service animals are authorised to visit this deck. However, access to the below decks is not possible for those using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or strollers, as it requires climbing and descending steep ladder-like steps. Any mobility devices must be left on the pier while touring the ship.
The ship is maintained in its 1812-era configuration, and access is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the top deck unassisted. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and to preserve the historical integrity of the ship.
The USS Constitution Museum, located nearby in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, also offers an immersive and accessible experience for all visitors. The museum's two floors of exhibits are physically accessible to walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers, and service animals are welcome. Visitors can explore the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on board.
Overall, while there are some limitations when it comes to accessing the below decks of the USS Constitution, the top deck is wheelchair accessible, and the nearby museum provides an inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors interested in learning about the ship's storied past.
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Turnaround cruise open to the public via lottery draw
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. It is open to the public year-round and offers free tours, but access is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the ship's top (spar) deck unassisted. The ship is maintained in its 1812-era configuration, and visitors must pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification.
The USS Constitution typically makes at least one "turnaround cruise" each year, during which it is towed into Boston Harbor to perform underway demonstrations, including a gun drill, before returning to its dock in the opposite direction to ensure even weathering. This cruise is open to the public via a lottery draw, with the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston responsible for planning and performing the ship's maintenance, repair, and restoration.
The privately-run USS Constitution Museum is located nearby in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two. The museum offers a captivating journey into American maritime history through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is committed to accessibility for all visitors, with two floors of exhibits that are physically accessible to walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. Service animals are welcome on the top (spar) deck of the ship and in the museum.
The USS Constitution has a rich history, dating back to its launch in 1797. It was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts, and its first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. Today, its mission is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the USS Constitution is open to the public year-round and offers free tours. It is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.
All visitors to the USS Constitution must pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification. Visitors under 18 do not need photo ID but must go through the screening process. Similar to airport security, visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, and bags.
The USS Constitution Museum is accessible to walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. Service animals are also welcome. However, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers are not allowed on board the ship and must be left on the pier. Visitors with service animals can access the top (spar) deck of the ship.
