USS Constitution Museum

We preserve and share the stories of America's Ship of State, the oldest commissioned warship afloat.

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

It’s not every day you see “Old Ironsides” underway in Boston Harbor. ⚓. But next Friday, she’ll be back... In the meantime, visit the Museum to discover over two centuries of stories behind America’s Ship of State. https://t.co/2Ush7ctout

📷 Greg M. Cooper Photography

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Unlike artists who painted romantic, imaginary views of the ship, George Savary Wasson painted USS CONSTITUTION from life as it appeared in 1893 at the Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, with a roof built over its deck to house sailors awaiting orders.​ #OldIronsides

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Join us Oct 8 for an evening with Chris Cassidy and Ben Simmoneau at the USS Constitution Museum Leadership Forum. Hear directly from leaders whose experience spans service, space, media, and civic life. Presented in partnership with WCVB Channel 5 Boston https://t.co/svwYsDHDoj

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Step aboard the ship—and behind the scenes at the Museum in an experience that pairs a guided exploration of USS CONSTITUTION with a rare look inside the Museum’s collection, led by our Public Historian. https://t.co/hyx7hS6RCx

#USSConstitution #OldIronsides #BostonEvents

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

In 1830, Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “Old Ironsides” helped rally public sentiment around USS CONSTITUTION. Today, Hillsdale College student Erika Kyba has been named a national finalist for her podcast devoted to the poem. Congrats, Erika!

🎧 https://t.co/pHLkTXAoFS

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

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 mini golf tournament. Expect a little competition, some trivia, and a different way to experience history. Sep 26 at 4 PM. https://t.co/5fBHm1FITM

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Dolly’s story was an American story—from the hills of East Tennessee to Boston Harbor, our history is made of people, places, & stories that endure. She gave us hers with joy, generosity, humor, & humanity. Today, we remember an American original.

📸 Greg M. Cooper Photography

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

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 and former prisoner of war to the Continental Navy: https://t.co/jOymsvjBM2

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

This Friday morning, Aug 28, USS CONSTITUTION will be underway in Boston Harbor — watch "Old Ironsides" depart and return to the pier in Charlestown, catch her near Castle Island, or find another vantage point along the harbor. #Boston #usscm #USNavy #Maritime #BostonEvents

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Yesterday, we remembered USS CONSTITUTION’s victory over HMS GUERRIERE. Today, we remember the cost of that victory. During the battle, Lt. William Sharp Bush was struck and killed. It reminds us that CONSTITUTION is a battlefield, a place where men fought and lost their lives.

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

#OnThisDay in 1812, USS CONSTITUTION fought HMS GUERRIERE in one of the most celebrated engagements in American naval history. The victory boosted American morale, strengthened the reputation of the U.S. Navy, and helped make USS CONSTITUTION a national icon.

#Boston

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

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: https://t.co/XjRnkTbL6V

Photos: U.S. Navy.

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Sailors aboard CONSTITUTION in the 1800s were allowed rations of grog. To stop them from hoarding their rations, each sailor had to swallow his ration while an officer watched.

📷 The Grog Tub on USS CONSTITUTION, 1930-1934. Naval History and Heritage Command [NH2248]

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Then: He helped launch our first course. Now: He’s back for another round. ⛳
Grab a club and join the revolution: https://t.co/kdrccG4XYq

Funded, in part, by @VisitMA #Massachusetts250

#USSConstitution #MiniGolf #CharlestownNavyYard #BostonFamilyFun #usscm #VisitMa

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

See USS CONSTITUTION through the eyes of the artists who captured it. "Art of the Ship" brings together highlights from the Museum’s collection of paintings of “Old Ironsides,” on view with support from The Boston Marine Society. #USSConstitution #OldIronsides #MaritimeHistory

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

One month ago today, USS CONSTITUTION led the Parade of Sail, welcoming ships from around the world to Boston Harbor. Now there’s another chance to see America’s Ship of State underway. Mark your calendar for August 25 and watch "Old Ironsides" return to Boston Harbor.

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Behind the lens of Exploring Old Ironsides. Photographer Greg M. Cooper shares the story behind the images and what it takes to capture USS CONSTITUTION from a remarkable perspective.
Explore the exhibition: https://t.co/ykPlr2CafB

#usscm #USSConstitution #Photography #Boston

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Not all of Old Ironsides’ cats had whiskers.
This carved wooden cathead was removed from the bow of USS Constitution during repairs in the mid-1800s.

USS Constitution Museum Collection, 533.1.

#InternationalCatDay #OldIronsides #USSConstitution #MaritimeHistory

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

A different kind of shipmate aboard Old Ironsides. A sailor poses with cats on one of USS CONSTITUTION’s long guns in the early 1900s.

#InternationalCatDay #OldIronsides #USSConstitution #MaritimeHistory #usscm

U.S. Navy photo.

[USS Constitution Museum @USSConstMuseum]

Today's view from the Museum from sunrise to evening colors. View ConstitutionCam: https://t.co/n0YGZM9zy9.

#OldIronsides #Boston #CharlestownNavyYard #USSConstitution #TimeLapse

📸 Greg M. Cooper Photography