America’s Oldest Floating Warship British Vessels & Now Houses Naval Treasures in Boston Harbor

The USS Constitution Museum, Massachusetts

Old Ironsides isn’t just a cool nickname. The USS Constitution Museum in Boston Harbor tells the story of America’s most famous warship, which never lost a battle and still floats today.

Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, this family-friendly spot brings to life the sailors’ stories, ship battles, and naval tech from the 1700s through interactive exhibits and real artifacts.

Best of all, the actual USS Constitution is docked right next door.

What You’ll See Today

Also known as “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned warship remains docked near the museum at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

This towering piece of naval marvel with its imposing three-masted silhouette, has modern glass-fronted exteriors and historic exhibits on display.

The ship’s hull is made from live oak as cannonballs famously bounced off its thick wood (you might get to see a demonstration if you’re lucky).

The ship’s copper-sheathed hull stays immune to marine decay, and the three masts once carried up to 50 guns during the War of 1812.

Public support rescued this historic ship from destruction

The first public outcry? It happened way back in 1830 when Navy Secretary John Branch ordered surveys of reserve fleet ships.

At that time, the Constitution’s repairs were estimated at over $157,000, nearly ensuring it would be scrapped but the opposite happened.

Oliver Wendell Holmes’ poem “Old Ironsides,” published on September 16, 1830, sparked public outrage and efforts to save the ship.

Documentation of the 1927–31 restoration (the ship’s famous campaign) shows how schoolchildren donated pennies to help save “Old Ironsides.”

In 1896, Massachusetts Congressman John F. Fitzgerald saw the Constitution’s poor condition and proposed to fund repairs in Boston.

The museum building shares history with USS Constitution

Originally designed by Alexander Parris, the structure served as the machinery house for the adjacent dry dock, first used in 1833 renovations.

This three-story, 16,500-square-foot building now houses multiple galleries, a library, artifact storage, administrative offices, and a gift shop.

Before its permanent home, the first USS Constitution exhibits were shown in 1973 on the second floor of the former Battery Building at the Boston Naval Shipyard.

The Samuel Eliot Morison Memorial Library

The Samuel Eliot Morison Memorial Library serves as a comprehensive archival repository housing records related to ship’s 227-year history.

The museum collection includes approximately 10,000 volumes focused on the ship, providing valuable reference materials for researchers.

Historians love to browse through the Ira Dye Collection on Early Seafarers. Some records even date back to the ship’s first dry docking in 1833.

Researchers have access to primary documents including ship logs, crew records, and correspondence from Constitution’s captains.

“All Hands on Deck” exhibit on the second floor

This interactive space lets you experience sailor life circa 1812 with hands-on activities designed for visitors of all ages.

Swing in hammocks like the Constitution’s crew, try furling a sail, practice holystoning the deck, and face simulated enemy forces in battle.

Both floors are fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices. Service animals are welcome but kept on leash.

Don’t miss the museum store, which offers exclusive items including gifts made from salvaged wood from USS Constitution itself.

Exploring the War of 1812 Discovery Center

Within the “Old Ironsides War of 1812 Discovery Center,” the interactive exhibit uses games, multimedia presentations, books, and hands-on activities.

Electronic and traditional displays make this often-overlooked conflict come to life starting with an 8-minute presentation of the HMS Guerriere battle.

Test your warfare skills in the simulated “The Great Chase” where you’re part of the crew that tries to escape a pursuing British squadron.

More about the ship’s century of combat service

The detailed exhibits on the lower level talk about the ship’s operational history.

One significant exhibit called “A Century of Service” tracks the ship’s activities from its 1797 launch till the end of its service in 1881. This includes the naval fights in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary War, and most notably, the War of 1812.

But after its combat years, the USS Constitution mostly patrolled Africa’s coast, hunting for slave and pirate ships, right before iron vessels became a thing.

The museum opens daily (10 to 5) with suggested donations. Regular adult admissions range from $10-15 per person, with discounts available for groups.

You’ll need to show a federal or state ID before boarding the ship itself. Note that the ship and museum operate separately.

Annual turnaround cruises maintain the ship

The yearly “turnaround cruise” maintains Constitution’s condition, during which it’s towed into Boston Harbor for gun drills and even hull weathering.

A lottery system selects individuals to sail aboard Constitution during these special cruises, offering a rare chance to experience the ship underway.

On Independence Day, catch the special July 4th turnaround cruise. At 11:30 AM, Constitution sails through Boston Harbor for a traditional 21-gun salute.

Crusies also demonstrate sailing techniques from the Age of Sail. On Independence Day, a public block party at the museum celebrates the ship’s return.

Boston’s Freedom Trail culminates at this naval treasure

Positioned at the end of Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, the museum completes a journey through American independence history.

The USS Constitution Museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, pretty much where the Freedom Trail walking route concludes.

The museum is easily accessible via subway (“the T”), with nearby stops at Bunker Hill Community College (Orange Line) and North Station (Green Line).

Nearby attractions include the Massachusetts Korean War Memorial, the Paul Revere Midnight Ride Landing Site, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

The Warren Tavern (from 1780) at 2 Pleasant Street offers authentic period dining, one of the first buildings to be frequented by George Washington.

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