Press Releases
The Bicentennial of the War of 1812
The US Navy in partnership with OpSail and the US Coast Guard has planned several commemorative War of 1812 events in Boston, the home port of victorious 1812 US Navy warship, USS Constitution. It was during this war that our young nation fought to preserve its independence and when USS Constitution earned her famous nickname, “Old Ironsides.” To recognize two hundred years of peace between the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, international naval vessels and tall ships have been invited to Boston during Harborfest (June 28 – July 4, 2012). In anticipation of this summer’s War of 1812 commemorations the Charlestown Navy Yard partners have several upcoming programs and activities for the public. Join us to explore all that the Navy Yard has to offer this summer! Read More Here Download the press release here>>
Tourism Cares Announces Six Worldwide Grant Recipients
Canton, MA – December 13, 2011
Tourism Cares, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations, is awarding the second group of grants in 2011 totaling $60,000, to six non-profit organizations as part of its Worldwide Grant Program. All recipients will receive full matching funds from other organizations. Therefore a total of $120,000 will be presented to the organizations for projects in the areas of historic preservation or educational programs to enhance interpretation, at cultural and maritime heritage sites, or natural sites. Collette Vacations and Trip Mate have generously made contributions to this group of Worldwide Grants. The Tourism Cares Blue Ribbon Panel, comprised of U.S. experts in the fields of conservation, preservation, restoration, and tourism, make up the selection committee. Tourism Cares is pleased to announce the following second group of 2011 Worldwide Grant recipients:
American River Conservancy, Coloma, CA; General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, Norfolk, VA; Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ; Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, FL; Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, ME; USS Constitution Museum, Inc., Boston, MA
USS Constitution Museum NEW Smithsonian Institution Affiliate: Boston's First!
Charlestown NavyYard, Boston, MA - 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>>
USS Constitution Museum Launches Free War of 1812 Curriculum for Educators: "A Sailor's Life For Me!"
Charlestown NavyYard, Boston, MA - October 21, 2011
USS Constitution Museum Receives the 2011 Bronze Muse Award for Online Game "A Sailor's Life For Me!" - This is Not Your Ordinary History Lesson
Charlestown NavyYard, Boston, MA - May 23, 2011
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.” Read More >>
The Andrew Jackson Mouth is Acquired by USS Constitution Museum: Part of the figurehead on Constitution in 1834
Charlestown NavyYard, Boston, MA - 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>>
Setting the Record Straight: A Public Program on the Origins of the U.S. Navy
Boston, MA
Boston, MA. . . What do Beverly and Marblehead, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Machias ME; Providence, RI; and Whitehall, NY have in common? They all claim to be the birthplace of the U.S. Navy. To unravel the complicated history of the early years of the United States Navy - and perhaps at last determine who deserves this distinction - the National Archives and the USS Constitution Museum are hosting a public program on October 13, at 5:30 PM. Read more >>
Capturing Life in the Field: The Art of the Marine Corps Experience
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA – April 29, 2010
Beginning in 1942, the Marine Corps selected men and women with visible talent to serve in a unique role – as Combat Artist. The objective seemed simple - go to war, make art - but the outcome is significant. The result is history being recorded as it is being made. It is capturing seemingly ordinary men and women and their actions; actions that might in fact have an extraordinary impact on our future. Read more >>
USS Constitution Museum Names Anne Grimes Rand President
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA – March 4, 2010
The USS Constitution Museum has new, however proven, leadership. The Trustees voted to appoint Anne Grimes Rand to the role of President. Anne has been with the Museum for 23 years, beginning as Curator and most recently serving as Executive Vice President. Her comprehensive knowledge of the Museum and standing among museum professionals as an innovative leader in the field, make Rand a natural choice for the role. Read more >>
Models in the Spotlight:31sth Annual USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild Exhibit at the USS Constitution Museum
Boston, MA - January 7, 2010
Members of the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild will display their finest work in hopes of capturing the spotlight during the 31st annual show at the USS Constitution Museum. Models in the Spotlight opens to the public on Saturday, January 30th and will run through Saturday, March 20th. Admission to the Museum and the exhibit are free with donations welcome. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Read more >>
The USS Constitution Museum‟s Annual Chairman‟s Dinner & Awards Ceremony at the Fairmont Copley Plaza: Margaret Boles Fitzgerald and Kevin Phelan Co-Chair October 22nd Celebration
Boston, MA - October 14, 2009
The USS Constitution Museum will hold their annual Chairman‟s Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Fairmont Copley Plaza on October 22 from 6-9 pm. Dedicated to bringing the stories of “Old Ironsides” and those who shaped her history to life today - to preserve her important legacy and inspire future generations - the Museum takes this opportunity to recognize important contributions made by individuals who support these efforts. The dinner is the Museum‟s premier fundraising event for the year as it generates revenue critical to sustaining the Museum‟s mission. Read more >>
USS Consitutition Museum Launches Hands-On History Adventure
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA - June 30, 2009
Adventurers of all ages are invited to set sail on a voyage of discovery at the USS Constitution Museum in a major exhibit, All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812. The exhibit features newly-unearthed stories of the Ship’s crew from America’s “Second War for Independence” and presents them in a dynamic, rich format that serves as a model for other history museums to use in years to come. Visitors step into the roles of the actual sailors who served onboard “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 and experience the challenges, hardships, fear, monotony and exhilaration of daily life in the confines of this isolated community. Read more >>