Did You Know? "Old Ironsides" Edition

This week at the Virtual Museum, we are highlighting unexpected and interesting moments in USS Constitution's storied history. Learn about a wedding ceremony on board the Ship in our commanding officer profiles, a papal visit on our blog and explore unexpected objects in our collection, such as purser Thomas Chew's stays. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more about "Old Ironsides" this week. 

Extended Holiday Savings at the Online Museum Store

Find gifts for everyone on your list at the Museum Store! Our holiday sale has been extended and now through December 20, members save 25% with their member promo code, and all shoppers receive 15% off their purchase with the promo code HOLIDAY15. All orders over $25 come with free shipping. Shop our online store today!

The Museum is Your Source for Unique Holiday Gifts!

Engraved Bricks—An Enduring Memory

Do you want to permanently recognize someone special in your life? Consider purchasing a brick to be installed in the Museum's Paul W. and Mary Beth Sandman Tribute Courtyard next spring! Each brick's inscription tells a story, whether it honors a loved one, celebrates a special occasion, or even marks a memorable visit to the Museum. When you purchase a brick, a portion of the proceeds helps preserve the legacy of "Old Ironsides" for future generations. 

Gift Memberships—Enjoy the Museum Year-Round

Do you want a special gift that will last the whole year? Consider a gift membership to the Museum. Members receive free Museum admission, a discount to the Museum Store, and access to all of our programs and events. Members are our greatest ambassadors to our community, providing invaluable support through their participation in our efforts. Giving this experience to a loved one shows that you know the value of membership in one of America's leading history museums and the powerful experiences it provides. 

Historian Live: Friday, December 18

Join Public Historian, Carl Herzog, Friday, December 18 for Historian Live! Carl will share details of Lt. Peter Turner's 1839 Watch, Quarter, & Station Bill and answer your questions about ship operations and sailing. The program begins at 1:00pm ET on Facebook Live. 

And don't miss out on Carl's other videos! Historian at Home videos are available on YouTube, including the latest episode about USS Constitution's Pearl Harbor connections. 

Family Firepower Program on December 29

Join Museum staff and Constitution crew on Tuesday, December 29 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. ET for Family Firepower! This virtual program teaches families about the tools and teamwork required to make USS Constitution a successful warship. Participants will see behind-the-scenes areas on the Ship, put their training to the test by making and firing an Alka-Seltzer® cannon at home, and observe the firing of the Ship’s long gun at sunset. Please note: this program is designed for youth age 10 and up and their families.

This program costs $5 per family group. Space is limited and registration is required. More information is available on our website.

Maritime Movie Club: Pirates of the Caribbean on December 30

Join the Museum's Maritime Movie Club review of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Wednesday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Jennifer Zanolli, Manager of Interpretation & Visitor Services and Carl Herzog, Public Historian, will be your hosts for this swashbuckling adventure. How did life as a pirate compare to life in the later U.S. Navy on board USS Constitution? How did the Caribbean pirates compare to other real-life pirates around the globe? Register now for this free, family-friendly program (recommended for ages 10+).

Sustain the Stories of America's Ship of State

The support of friends like you has enabled the Museum to remain vibrant and nimble throughout this challenging year. Thank you!

Many have asked how you can continue to help. Here's how—please stand with the Museum by giving to our calendar year-end Annual Fund appeal. The impact is immediate: your gift provides critical revenue so we can serve students, preserve collections, and fulfill our mission through dynamic virtual programs and exhibits. 

In this unprecedented year, your support of the mission of the Museum has never been more important. Sustaining the Museum helps us celebrate our Constitution Crew and tell their inspiring stories far and wide, so that the Ship continues to serve as a welcome example of resilience and endurance today. 

As 2020 comes to a close, your support of the Museum is crucial and every gift matters. Can we count on you to help us sail safely into this next leg of our voyage?