The dress sword of Captain Isaac Hull c. 1806 adorned the pages of Pull Together, the Newsletter of the Naval Historical Foundation, in an article on the War of 1812. The USS Constitution Museum is partnering with the US Navy and Opsail in planning bicentennial commemorations for the War of 1812. Museum President, Anne Grimes Rand serves along with NHF Executive Direcetot Capt. Charles T. Creekman on the Navy's Advisory Group planning the commemorative activities nationwide. Rand chairs the Education Committee whose goal is to ensure that the 1812 bicentennial has a lasting impact... read more here (pg 8) >>
A name familiar to J Class aficionados, Elizabeth Meyer was honored at the annual USS Constitution Museum Chairman's Dinner and Awards ceremony in September. She received the Don Turner Award for her work in maritime preservation. Read more about Meyer's work from Megayacht News>>
Cover image - USS Constitution by Marshall Johnson (late 19th century - image from USS Constitution Museum collection). Full feature - by Sarah Watkins and Matthew Brenckle - "All Hands on Deck - A Sailor's Life in 1812"
October, 2011 - The USS Constitution Museum announces its new affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and is pleased to report that it is the FIRST Museum in Boston to receive this honored partnership. This exciting new endeavor brings the Smithsonian, in all of its breadth and scope to our Boston hub and offers opportunities for the public to explore perspectives on history and culture. The USS Constitution Museum and Smithsonian Institution share common goals of disseminating knowledge and a strong commitment to serving our community. Read More >> AND read what Harold Closter, Director of Smithsonian Institution Affliates wrote about the Museum on his blog!
Last Friday was the 214th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat - the USS Constitution. On October 21, 1797, the Constitution was launched in Boston Harbor. On Friday, the ship sailed into that same harbor for a 21-gun salute - then another 17 shots for the seventeen U.S. states that existed when the ship was built. The Constitution earned the nickname Old Ironsides for its durability. Watch a video and read more from Ideastream Newsdepth.
October 20, 2011 - The USS Constitution Museum invites librarians and educators to a special evening of introduction to learn about new free resources created for schools and libraries in commemoration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of the War of 1812. Read More from the North End Waterfront News
May 2011 - The USS Constitution Museum has got it! The mouth section of USS Constitution’s Andrew Jackson figurehead that was decapitated in 1834 now resides at the Museum in Boston. The rest of the head that was split in two when it was removed in the dark of night from ‘Old Ironsides,’ is at the Museum of the City of New York. But the location of the mouth was a mystery until now. Read More in Anchor Watch, Charlestown Bridge and Boston National Historic Park News.
www.asailorslifeforme.org The USS Constitution Museum received the Bronze MUSE Award for Online Presence at the American Association of Museum (AAM) Conference in Houston Texas, May 23, 2011. The Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA across from “Old Ironsides,” received this award for the creation of online game and educational resource, “A Sailor’s Life For Me!” According to AAM, this award was granted “in recognition of the highest standards of excellence in the use of media and technology.” AAM Muse Awards
Old Ironsides and the USS Constitution Museum. Make your way to the Charleston Navy Yard for this perennially-popular attraction. Immerse yourself for a while in the ship that – to this day – defines a nation. Read more about the Museum and weekend activities in Boston from cheapflights.com
Ever try scrambling up three ship’s ladders to “pass powder” to you gun while tossing and turning on the high seas? When was the last time you spent hours on your knees, scrubbing a wooden deck with a stone til clean, only to have a seagull fly by and in one foul instant, ruin your work, resulting in having to start again? Experience life on board Constitution in 1812 on this new, award winning, educational site for all ages. Find out more here >>
Can you name the birthplace of the U.S. Navy? Are you certain? If you are, there’s a chance you are the only one who is. Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, celebrated the 235th anniversary of the U.S. Navy at the Museum by presenting the various arguments in this debate to an enthusiastic (sometimes biased) audience. Read more at 90.9 wbur, AOTUS National Archives, or WickedLocal.com.
Have you always loved history and history museums? As a kid, did you explore history exhibits with the same passion you do today, or did the lengthy copy and prevailing quiet get in the way? For many, the traditional formula of displaying an artifact with copy is not compelling – and this is certainly true for many family groups. The USS Constitution Museum is helping to change that through their Family Learning Project. Read more here >>
Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Roughead, celebrates Navy Week 2010 in Boston. The USS Constitution Museum hosted a small reception for him, after which he visited Constitution’s crew. More on his visit here >>