USS Constitution Museum

USS Constitution Museum The Museum preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides" and those who shaped her history with exhibits and programs for all ages.
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The USS Constitution Museum preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides" and those who shaped her history with exhibits and programs for all ages. The USS Constitution Museum and the USS Constitution (the Ship) are operated by different organizations. See the Ship's website (http://www.navy.mil/local/constitution/) for the most up-to-date information about the Ship's public visitation hours.

09/08/2026

Our favorite ship is America’s Ship of State. Come see "Old Ironsides" up close—and discover the stories behind the legend.

Plan your visit: https://bit.ly/4bxHcSt

📷 Greg M. Cooper Photography and Courtesy U.S. Navy

09/08/2026

In honor of America250, we’re looking more closely at the history that happened right here on Boston Harbor. Museum Public Historian Carl Herzog shares the story of Chelsea Creek, where American forces took decisive action against the British schooner Diana in May 1775.

It’s a story of strategy, urgency, and cooperation — and a reminder that the Revolution was shaped not only on battlefields, but along the waterways and shorelines that surrounded Boston.
From Chelsea Creek to Charlestown Navy Yard, this history is all around us. It is part of the waterfront we call home.

“Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!”In 1830, Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “Old Ironsides” helped rally public sentiment around...
09/05/2026

“Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!”

In 1830, Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “Old Ironsides” helped rally public sentiment around USS CONSTITUTION. Nearly two centuries later, the poem is still finding new audiences.
Hillsdale College student Erika Kyba has been named a national finalist for Best Podcast by College Broadcasters, Inc. for an episode of The Poetry Fix devoted to Holmes’ famous poem.

In just over four minutes, Erika considers what Holmes understood so well: that CONSTITUTION represented something worth preserving—history, sacrifice, beauty, and a shared national story.
We’re delighted to see one of our very favorite poems inspiring this kind of thoughtful work. Congratulations and Huzzah, Erika!

🎧 Listen here: https://thepoetryfix.transistor.fm/episodes/old-ironsides-the-eagle-of-the-sea

📸 Greg M. Cooper Photography

Fall mini golf is still in full swing — and now we’re making it a bit more competitive. ⛳ Join us for the Museum’s first...
09/03/2026

Fall mini golf is still in full swing — and now we’re making it a bit more competitive. ⛳

Join us for the Museum’s first-ever Golf Par-Tee, where putting skills meet history in a fun tournament inspired by Boston Harbor, USS CONSTITUTION, and the stories and turning points that shaped America.

Come with friends or come ready to make a few new ones. Either way, expect a little competition, some surprising trivia, and a very different way to experience history.

September 26 at 4 PM. Who’s ready to tee off? https://bit.ly/3UNx973

09/02/2026

This summer, visitors to the Museum were invited to share their American dreams. Together, their words became part of a community-created flag — filled with hopes for themselves, their families, their communities, and our country.

A simple reminder that the American story is still being written.

09/01/2026

Go beyond the public tour. On September 17, join our historian for Vault to Vessel—an intimate, small-group experience exploring USS CONSTITUTION and rarely seen treasures from the Museum’s archives. Only a few spots remain. https://bit.ly/3ytTnjr

08/31/2026

Explore the stories. Step inside the USS Constitution Museum and discover the people, moments, and history behind America’s Ship of State. usscm.org/plan-your-visit/

08/29/2026

A prison letter. A secret message. Military intelligence hidden in plain sight. Dated April 30, 1804, this letter from Captain William Bainbridge—then imprisoned in Tripoli—appeared to report the death of a seaman, a dire need for clothing, and more than a month without word from American officials.

But on the reverse was a secret message written in lime juice. Once exposed to heat, Bainbridge’s invisible words revealed estimates of the troops needed to attack Tripoli, negotiating advice, and the identity of a potential ally within the Tripoline government.

Half of Bainbridge’s surviving prison letters contain similar invisible-ink messages—evidence that even in captivity, he was working to influence negotiations and secure freedom.

🎥 Letter from William Bainbridge to Tobias Lear with Sympathetic Ink, April 30, 1804, USS Constitution Museum Collection [2147.4a,b]

08/28/2026

Old Ironsides returned to Boston Harbor today — carrying forward generations of service, sacrifice, and Navy tradition. Honoring the heritage of the Chief Petty Officer. 🇺🇸

08/27/2026

Harbor breezes, waterfront views, and “Old Ironsides” just steps away.

Summer’s not done with Boston yet! Plan your visit at usscm.org/

Address

22 1st Avenue
Boston, MA
02129

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16174261812

Website

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