The USS Constitution earned the nickname 'Old Ironsides' after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off her hull during the War of 1812.
The museum houses the 'All Hands on Deck' exhibit, which utilizes historical logs to allow visitors to experience the daily routines of 1812-era sailors.
The ship's hull is constructed from live oak, a dense wood that contributed to its surprising resilience in combat.
The museum features a 'Life at Sea' collection containing personal belongings left behind by sailors throughout the ship's centuries of service.
The USS Constitution is an active-duty vessel, and its crew assists in maintaining the ship alongside the museum's preservation staff.
The museum is located within a National Historical Park, preserving the industrial landscape of one of the nation's original six navy yards.
The USS Constitution Museum is the primary educational resource for the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It is located within the Charlestown Navy Yard in a restored historic shipyard building. The museum offers interactive exhibits detailing the ship's 1797 construction, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the crew who served on board. Visitors can engage with hands-on displays that explain the ship's design, rigging, and naval combat tactics. The institution serves as a non-profit organization separate from the U.S. Navy. It preserves a collection of over 3,000 artifacts related to the ship and the Charlestown Navy Yard.
The museum's entrance terrace offers a clear, elevated view of the ship's masts against the Boston skyline.
Visit the museum before boarding the ship to gain necessary context on the vessel's history and technical construction.
Check the museum's website for the ship's current availability for public boarding, as this is separate from the museum's operations.
Allocate extra time to walk the surrounding Charlestown Navy Yard to see the historic dry docks.
Do not assume boarding the museum grants automatic boarding access to the ship, as security screening for the warship involves separate U.S. Navy protocols.
Open daily year-round, except for major federal holidays.
