USS Constitution Museum Goes Virtual

Dear Friends,

Along with the entire crew of the USS Constitution Museum, I hope that you and your family are safe and well amidst these extraordinary times. 
 
Here at the Museum we are inspired by the storied history of the Ship and its stalwart crew, past and present.  Remember that Constitution’s crew weathered stormy seas plus enemy cannonballs, so I am confident that as a Museum Family and as a nation we will pull through.  
 
During this challenging time, children who are continuing their education from home, and parents, teachers, and families working from home and in the front lines need support and inspiration.
 
That’s why we have pivoted to a virtual Museum, with a wide range of free, compelling content available online.  Below you’ll find a full description of our engagement opportunities and how to access them.
 
Many of you have asked how you might support your Museum through these uncertain times, and many have already stepped forward with generous contributions.  Thank you. There are many community efforts underway, and if you can, please make a contribution online here, or join or renew your membership here. 

Engage with the Museum on our digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter); Share and “Like” our daily content to help grow our reach.

I look forward to the day when we are back together at the Museum, reopening our doors to our visitors.  On the horizon is a safe harbor with still waters. 
 
Until then, this is a time to care for yourself and your loved ones.  Please stay safe and be well.
 
Best wishes,

Anne Grimes Rand
President and CEO
USS Constitution Museum

To serve students at home and the public working remotely, the USS Constitution Museum is turning the Museum “inside-out” by offering many digital opportunities for visitor engagement.
 
Every day, the Museum is sharing content related to Constitution through its social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and website usscm.org.
 
We invite you to stay engaged with the Museum through our daily social media schedule, as well as additional content as we develop and release it:
 
Monday: Research publication and LEGO® Ship Shape Competition 
Tuesday: Blog post
Wednesday: Hands-on family activity and Historian @ Home video series
Thursday: Artifact highlight
Friday: Meet a historic sailor from “Old Ironsides”
Saturday: Notable event from Constitution history
Sunday: Video feature

USS Constitution is also hosting daily virtual tours using Facebook Live at 1 p.m. ET.

We’ve launched a video series presented by the Museum’s Public Historian, Carl Herzog. He will utilize the Museum's collections and archives to explore the lesser known corners of Constitution's history and delve into topics such as last week’s, which was on navigation. 
 
Look for our one-minute One-Minute Artifact Challenge on our social media channels. Curatorial and education staff will share insights about a favorite artifact from the Museum's collection.
 
Families at home can enjoy hands-on activities through an engaging resource now available digitally, including the Museum’s “Old Ironsides” Activity Book," which utilizes rich illustrations of renowned artist Stephen Biesty and lively text of award-winning author Richard Platt.
 
Families can also participate in the weekly LEGO® Ship Shape Competition on Facebook. Each Monday at 12 noon ET the Museum will post a new contest for builders of all ages. The winners are determined by online voting.
 
New interdisciplinary educator resource kits have been assembled that include primary sources, lesson plans, and at-home activities organized by major themes–Design and Construction, Life at Sea, Meet the Crew, War of 1812, and USS Constitution legacy. Resources on the Museum’s website engagefamilies.org, feature extensive research and strategies for family engagement.