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.

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/

“These old bones will tell your story.” Dolly Parton’s story was an American story — rooted in a particular place, but ...
08/26/2026

“These old bones will tell your story.”

Dolly Parton’s story was an American story — rooted in a particular place, but ultimately belonging to all of us. From the hills of East Tennessee to Boston Harbor, our history is made of people, places, and stories that endure. Dolly gave us hers with uncommon joy, generosity, humor, and humanity — and reminded us, again and again, of the things that can bring us together.

Today, we remember an American original. 🇺🇸 🦋

📸 Greg M. Cooper Photography

08/25/2026

Before USS CONSTITUTION became “Old Ironsides,” she needed a crew. In 1798, the new frigate sailed with a remarkable group of officers and sailors—including Peter St. Medard, a French-born surgeon whose journey had already taken him from prisoner of war to the Continental Navy.

Meet some of the men who made up USS CONSTITUTION’s first crew and discover the stories that brought them aboard.

Read the new story: https://bit.ly/3UrF2im

08/24/2026

This Friday morning, Aug 28, USS CONSTITUTION will be underway in Boston Harbor — and the ship is more fully rigged than she has been in more than 20 years!

Watch "Old Ironsides" depart and return to the pier in Charlestown, catch her near Castle Island, or find another vantage point along the harbor.

This underway commemorates the heritage of the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer — and offers a rare opportunity to see America’s Ship of State where she belongs: out on the water.

Wherever you watch from, don’t miss this Boston icon underway!

08/24/2026

We hope you join us in Charlestown for a visit!

Another milestone day for “Old Ironsides.”
08/21/2026

Another milestone day for “Old Ironsides.”

08/20/2026

Yesterday, we remembered USS CONSTITUTION’s victory over HMS GUERRIERE and the battle that gave “Old Ironsides” its enduring nickname.

Today, we remember the cost of that victory.

During the battle, Lt. William Sharp Bush stood on CONSTITUTION’s quarterdeck with his Marines, ready to lead them into action. As he mounted the taffrail, sword in hand, Bush was struck and killed.
He became the first U.S. Marine Corps officer killed in combat during the War of 1812.

USS CONSTITUTION is a national icon. But it is also a battlefield, a place where men fought, sacrificed, and lost their lives.

Today, we remember Lt. William Sharp Bush, USMC, and all those who fell during CONSTITUTION’s service.

08/19/2026

in 1812, USS CONSTITUTION fought HMS GUERRIERE in one of the most celebrated engagements in American naval history.

As British cannon fire struck CONSTITUTION’s unusually strong hull, a sailor reportedly exclaimed, “Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!” By the end of the battle, GUERRIERE had surrendered, and a nickname was born: “Old Ironsides.”

The victory came at a moment when the young nation badly needed good news. It boosted American morale, strengthened the reputation of the U.S. Navy, and helped make USS CONSTITUTION a national icon.

Experience the battle through this remarkable series painted by Salem artist George Ropes, Jr. in 1813, just one year after the engagement.

There are moments when history stops feeling distant. In 1997, USS Constitution sailed under the ship’s own power for th...
08/17/2026

There are moments when history stops feeling distant. In 1997, USS Constitution sailed under the ship’s own power for the first time in more than a century, an extraordinary moment for "Old Ironsides" and for everyone who witnessed it.

Look back at how that historic sail came together in this story from the Museum’s blog, originally published August 4, 2017: https://bit.ly/3TSgHlJ

Photos courtesy U.S. Navy.

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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