USS Constitution Museum Foundation, Inc.
Chosen for 2007 Catalogue for Philanthropy

USS Constitution Museum Foundation, Inc. has been selected for listing in the 2007 prestigious Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy. This year 390 charities applied for new listings, and 54 were selected, as “examples of excellence” in all fields of Massachusetts philanthropy—the environment, culture (arts and education), human services and international. According to George McCully, President of the Catalogue, “USS Constitution Museum was chosen because they are a great example of ‘private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life’ in Massachusetts, and because they are both excellent and cost-effective. We urge donors, especially in the Boston area, to consider adding USS Constitution Museum Foundation, Inc. to their giving list this year.”

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and the educational voice of USS CONSTITUTION, by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides” and the people associated with her. Only yards away from USS CONSTITUTION, the Museum is a "must see" for everyone, where interactive galleries take adults, families and children of all ages on a 210-year voyage. In the exhibit,“A Sailor’s Life for Me?” family members can join “Old Ironsides’” diverse crew and try their hand at traditional sea-faring activities:  furl a sail, swing in a hammock, and holystone [scrub] the deck. A multimedia object battle theater using the actual words of sailors from primary sources creates a very powerful way to experience USS CONSTITUTION ’s battle with HMS GUERRIERE. Recognized through the "Save America's Treasures" program, the Museum preserves nearly 10,000 historic items relating directly to "Old Ironsides," including 17 linear feet of manuscript material, 2,310 rare and secondary books, and fine art, artifacts, and unique personal mementos, including the recently acquired Isaac Hull sword. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the USS Constitution Museum is a dynamic private non-profit, open 362 days each year.

Courtesy USS Constitution Museum

The purpose of the Catalogue, now in its 11th year of annual publication, is “to strengthen the culture of philanthropy in Massachusetts … through donor education….” "The Catalogue is designed as a showcase for Massachusetts philanthropy,” McCully said, “and a one-stop shop for a family's charitable giving. A single check, electronic transaction over the web, or stock transfer, can be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases, and because the Catalogue is paid-for by its philanthropic sponsors, 100% of every donation goes to the designated charities or fields of philanthropy." This year it was mailed to 120,000 homes statewide, and is available to everyone on the web, at www.cfp-ma.org