Isabella Carter
The USS Constitution Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a detailed history of the USS Constitution ship and the American Navy. The museum features interactive and hands-on exhibits, including model ships, video battle simulators, and depictions of Old Ironsides' service. Visitors can learn about ship construction and try out activities like raising a sail, sailing a ship, or firing a cannon. While some reviews suggest that the museum is geared more towards children, with displays and activities suitable for younger audiences, others have appreciated the mix of engaging and educational content for all ages. The museum is fully accessible, stroller-friendly, and has a suggested donation for entry, making it an affordable and interesting option for families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Fully accessible and stroller-friendly |
| Admission fee | Suggested donation |
| Exhibits | Detailed model ships, video battle simulators, depictions of Old Ironsides' service in war and peace, interactive displays, games, stories from average Americans, exhibits showing how sailors lived, video game-like consoles, a film |
| Suitability for children | Geared towards young children, especially school-age children |
| Food and beverage options | Gift shop sells beverages, snacks, and treats; family-friendly breweries and restaurants nearby |
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What You'll Learn
Hands-on activities
The USS Constitution Museum offers a plethora of hands-on activities for young children. The museum is filled with interactive displays, games, and stories from average Americans throughout history. Many exhibits allow children to experience the lives of sailors in the days of tall ships. They can try hoisting a sail, test out the comfort of a ship's hammock, and even build their own vessels from wooden parts or LEGO bricks. Families can work together to create a boat and set it afloat in a tank of water. The LEGO Shipyard also features a six-foot replica of the USS Constitution.
In addition to these hands-on activities, the museum offers video battle simulators and exhibits that showcase the service of Old Ironsides in both war and peace. These exhibits provide a detailed history of the birth of the USS Constitution and the American Navy. The museum is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, making it convenient for families with young children.
While the museum is primarily focused on the history of the USS Constitution, it also offers insights into the construction of ships and the lives of sailors. Children can learn about the different parts of a ship, including the knees, ribs, and decking, and understand the importance of sails. The museum also has a movie that provides an overview of the history and significance of the ship, making it an engaging way to learn about nautical history.
The hands-on activities at the USS Constitution Museum not only entertain young children but also educate them about naval history and the role of sailors. By participating in these interactive exhibits, children can develop their knowledge and appreciation of a bygone era, gaining insights into the construction, operation, and maintenance of ships like the USS Constitution.
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Interactive exhibits
The USS Constitution Museum offers a detailed history of the birth of the USS Constitution and the American Navy. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits, games, and stories from average Americans throughout history. Many exhibits allow visitors to see how sailors lived in the days of tall ships.
The museum features hands-on activities, such as hoisting a sail, sailing a ship, or firing a cannon. Children can also build their own vessels with wooden parts or with LEGO bricks. Families are welcome to create their own boats and set them afloat in a tank of water. The LEGO Shipyard boasts a six-foot replica of the USS Constitution.
The museum also has video game-like consoles that allow visitors to test their cannon-firing skills. On select days, there are additional activities designed to help children learn about ship construction and life on board. These include learning about the construction of ships and the complex video game-like consoles that allow children to test their firing cannon skills.
The museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and visitors can explore the outdoor space to see Old Ironsides and more contemporary ships. The museum is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, although the USS Constitution itself cannot accommodate strollers. While the museum has some battle displays and exhibits that may not be suitable for younger children, it offers a unique and engaging experience for families with young children.
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History and construction of the ship
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 keel of the USS Constitution was laid on 1 November 1794 at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The construction was supervised by Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn, and Foreman Prince Athearn of the Martha's Vineyard Athearns. The ship's hull was built 21 inches (530 mm) thick, with a length of 175 ft (53 m) between perpendiculars and a total length of 204 ft (62 m). The ship's width was 43 ft 6 inches (13.26 m). The construction of the ship required 60 acres (24 ha) of trees, primarily pine and oak. The oak used in the ship's construction was sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia. Unfortunately, enslaved workers were used to harvest the oak for the ship's construction.
The USS Constitution was launched in 1797, with Captain James Sever breaking a bottle of Madeira wine on her bowsprit during the ceremony. The launch was attended by President John Adams and Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner. The ship's first duties included providing protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.
Over the years, the USS Constitution has undergone several repairs and restorations to maintain its historical accuracy. The ship was decommissioned in 1860 and used to train midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1870, it underwent reconstruction and returned to Boston to serve as a receiving ship. The ship was saved from destruction in 1905 and renamed Old Constitution in 1917 due to its name being assigned to a projected battle cruiser. However, it regained its original name in 1925 after the Washington Navy Treaty cancelled the warship. The ship was recommissioned in July 1931 and sailed on a 90-port tour along the United States' coasts.
In 1940, the USS Constitution and USS Constellation were recommissioned at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1947, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating the ship. After World War II, the ship remained at its berth in the Boston Navy Yard and was open to the public. Today, the ship is still open to the public and continues to undergo restoration work to preserve its historical significance.
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Suitable for toddlers and school-age children
The USS Constitution Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, is an excellent place to take toddlers and school-age children to learn about nautical history and the birth of the American Navy. The museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which offers plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around and explore. The museum is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, making it convenient for families with young children.
The museum offers a range of hands-on and interactive exhibits that are engaging for children of all ages. Kids can learn about the construction of ships and even build their own vessels using wooden parts or LEGO bricks. They can also try their hand at hoisting a sail, sailing a ship, or firing a cannon. The museum also features detailed model ships, video battle simulators, and exhibits that showcase the service of Old Ironsides in war and peace.
While the museum is primarily geared towards children, there is also plenty of interesting history for adults to enjoy. The museum provides a detailed history of the USS Constitution, including the construction of the ship and the lives of sailors who served on it. The museum's film does a nice review of the naval yard and military ship, giving visitors a better understanding of the ship's history and importance.
In addition to the museum, visitors can also board the USS Constitution itself, which is docked nearby. The ship occasionally goes into dry dock for restoration, offering a unique opportunity to see it out of the water. However, it's important to note that the USS Constitution cannot accommodate strollers or wheelchairs, and the ladders to the lower decks may be challenging for small children. The museum and ship provide a glimpse into a bygone era and offer a fun and educational experience for toddlers and school-age children alike.
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USS Constitution Museum reviews
The USS Constitution Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a detailed history of the birth of the USS Constitution and the American Navy. The museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is also home to the USS Cassin Young, a remarkable naval vessel in its own right. The museum is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a convenient destination for families with young children.
Reviews of the USS Constitution Museum on TripAdvisor suggest that it is a great destination for young children. Several reviewers mention the hands-on activities and exhibits that are engaging for children, such as raising a sail, sailing a ship, or firing a cannon. The museum also offers interactive displays, games, and stories that bring history to life for young visitors. One reviewer noted that their very active boys enjoyed the museum when they were younger, highlighting the outdoor space in the Navy Yard as a great place for kids to run around and explore.
The museum's exhibits include detailed model ships, video battle simulators, and depictions of the USS Constitution's service in war and peace. The LEGO Shipyard is particularly popular with children, featuring a six-foot replica of the USS Constitution that can be built with wooden parts or LEGO bricks. Families can also create their own boats and set them afloat in a tank of water.
While some reviewers found the museum to be child-oriented and sparse, others appreciated the balance of activities for all ages. The museum offers simple activities that teach ship construction and complex video game-like consoles that test cannon skills. One reviewer noted that their teenagers were engaged and enjoyed their visit. The museum also has a film that provides an overview of the history and importance of the ship, which is recommended by several reviewers.
Overall, the USS Constitution Museum seems to be a well-reviewed destination for young children, offering a balance of fun and educational activities that bring nautical history to life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the museum offers hands-on activities and exhibits that are perfect for young children. They can learn about nautical history and the birth of the USS Constitution through interactive displays, games, and stories.
The museum has a Lego Shipyard where children can build their own vessels and set them afloat in a tank of water. They can also try out video game-like consoles that test their firing canon skills. Other activities include raising a sail, sailing a ship, and learning about ship construction.
The museum is located in the same complex as the USS Constitution, which requires a security checkpoint with a photo ID for each adult. Some exhibits and battle displays may not be suitable for younger children. The museum itself is stroller-friendly, but the USS Constitution cannot accommodate strollers, and the ladders to the lower decks may be challenging for small children.
Yes, there are several family-friendly restaurants and breweries nearby, including the Anchor, which offers craft beers, soft drinks, and food, along with live music and patio games. The museum also has a gift shop that sells beverages, snacks, and treats.
Yes, the museum is located in Charlestown Navy Yard, which offers outdoor space for children to run around and see Old Ironsides and other contemporary ships. There is also an MBTA boat nearby that can take you to Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium. The Museum of Science and Museum of Fine Arts are also recommended attractions for children.
