February 2 - March 23, 2019
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission by Donation
View the Best of the Best! at our 40th annual Model Ship Show. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the prize winning models from the last 5 years, partake in family activities including the LEGO® Maritime Festival and a scavenger hunt, learn how to get a ship into a bottle, observe a model ship restorer at work every Wednesday, and more! The model show is presented by the USS Constitution Museum and the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild and is funded in part by the Boston Marine Society.
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According to letters written in 1903 by Mrs. Mary H. Loring, General Loring’s wife, to associates of the Old South Meeting House, a model of USS Constitution was built circa 1875. As she noted in her April 13, 1903, letter to George A. Goddard, Secretary of the Old South Association, “I have in my possession a model of the 'Constitution' – which was built and rigged by one of her crew as a faithful copy, of the old Man o’ War….This model has belonged for many years to the late General Charles Greely Loring.”
The model’s condition had deteriorated very badly over the years and the USS Constitution Museum asked the Loring family for permission to restore the model. The Loring model has undergone a miniature restoration since 2015. During this year's Model Ship Show, learn more from conservator Rob Napier as he restores the Loring model every Wednesday between February 2 – March 23, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Learn more about the Loring model from our previous blog posts chronicling its restoration.
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Restoring an Icon in Miniature
Because so many details on the model had either disintegrated due to the inherent vice of the modeler’s materials or damage from decades of unprotected display at the Old South Meeting House, the curatorial staff of the USS Constitution Museum even questioned whether or not the model truly represented “Old Ironsides” in a realistic way.
Learn more > >
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Restoring an Icon in Miniature: Part II
The late 19th century model was built for American Civil War Union General Charles Greely Loring and was displayed in his home in Prides Crossing, Beverly, Massachusetts. Loring saw much action in the war, including the late battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Bethesda Church. As part of the Ninth Corps he was involved in the later successes of the Army of the Potomac up to the surrender of General Robert E. Lee in April 1865.
Learn more > >
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Restoring an Icon in Miniature: Part III
The work that Rob Napier began on the Loring model in 2016 coincidentally mirrored work that USS Constitution underwent. While the scale of the two restorations is vastly different, the rebuilding and repairs of hull planking, channels, and rigging needs to take place on both ships, big and small.
Learn more > >
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Boston Area Chantey & Maritime Sing
January 20 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Listen, learn, and lift your voices! Participate in your maritime heritage by joining a rousing chorus of sea chanteys at the USS Constitution Museum. These family-friendly gatherings take place on the 3rd Sunday of every month and are open to anyone who would like to participate.
Join us > >
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LEGO® Maritime Festival
February 16 - 24 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Let your imagination set sail this February School Vacation Week! Inspired by the different ship designs on display in Masters of Miniature, head to the USS Constitution Museum to build your own ship with LEGO® and DUPLO® Bricks! In the hands of a creative kid – or kid at heart – a pile of colorful bricks can become an aircraft carrier – or USS Constitution! The nautical fun continues with a “Float Your Boat” LEGO® Challenge, “Picture Yourself” LEGO® Selfie Masks, a scavenger hunt through our Masters of Miniature exhibit, and much more!
Join us > >
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We are proud to offer you the opportunity to own a piece of American history with this limited edition medallion! This medallion is made from copper sheathing that once clad USS Constitution, America's Ship of State, which defended the ideals and values of a free and independent nation. Inspired by our collection, it is illustrated with images celebrating the earliest years of USS Constitution’s history.
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On the front is a rendering of USS Constitution based on a circa 1803 painting by Michele Felice Cornè. Painted approximately six years after the Constitution’s launch in 1797, it is the earliest known artistic depiction of the Ship that is still in existence.
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On the back of the medallion is an artist concept rendering of USS Constitution’s original figurehead, a large full-length statue of the Roman hero, Hercules. The epitome of strength, Hercules holds the document for which Constitution is named.
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Our Museum Store has something for everyone including apparel featuring USS Constitution's helm and anchor, Chelsea Clocks™, pens made from "Old Ironsides" wood, Constitution copper medallions, and much more!
No time? No problem! Museum Store associates are happy to help you make a purchase over the phone and drop it off to you at one of the 15 minute parking spots available behind the museum on Baxter Road. Find that perfect something online or call us at 617.426.1812 ext. 122, Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.
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Be a part of the legacy of USS Constitution and sail into a year of excitement and discovery, all the while knowing that you are helping to inspire the future while preserving the past! Members receive 10% off all Museum Store purchases.
Come aboard > >
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