U.S.S. Constitution & Museum: Two centuries of U.S. Naval history in one ship!
The oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world still afloat, the U.S.S. Constitution is now berthed at Boston Harbor and serves as official ambassador for the United States Navy.
Launched in 1797 and often referred to as “Old Ironsides” – it was famous for its legendary ability to repel any shot fired – the ship's principal service was in the war of 1812, where it was victorious in every single one of its 42 engagements.
The mission of the 212-year-old Constitution and its crew of active Navy personnel is to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace via active participation in public events and education. Her crew participates in ceremonies, educational programs and special events, while keeping the ship open to visitors year round and providing free tours.
The Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston is responsible for planning and performing Constitution’s maintenance, repair and restoration, keeping her as close to her 1812 configuration as possible. She is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail. She is open to the public year round.
The Constitution usually makes one "turnaround cruise" annually and is towed out to Boston Harbor to perform special demonstrations, then is returned to her dock and berthed in the opposite direction so she weathers evenly. The turnaround cruise is open to the general public based on a "lottery draw" of interested persons each year.
The vessel is currently in the midst of a three-year repair effort, scheduled for completion in September 2010. The ship remains open to visitors, but no turnaround cruises will take place until the renovation is complete. Note: Prepare to be searched before boarding, where you'll probably have to pass through a metal detector.
The privately run U.S.S. Constitution Museum is nearby, situated in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2. Only yards away from Old Ironsides, the museum is a "must see" for Boston visitors, where interactive galleries take tourists of all ages on a 200-year voyage. Check the museum’s web site for additional information for visitors and particularly concerning educational outreach for teachers.
- by Jim Brown , Boston Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
