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A family experiences the daily life of an 1812 sailor in the museum's interactive exhibit A Sailor's Life for Me. [Photo: Greg M. Cooper Photography]
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Engaging All Ages
We are proud to announce the launch of two professional resources: the Engage Families website and publication, Engage Families: A Guide to Family Engagement in Exhibits and Programs.
With museum and library professionals in mind, they contain actionable strategies for program and exhibit development, from family-friendly content, to designing for all ages, to measuring success through evaluation. The resources are rooted in our study of families in our galleries thanks to two National Leadership Grants from the Institute for Museum & Library Services. We are a recognized leader in family learning: we received a Leadership in History Award from the American Association of State & Local History for our Family Learning Project and this June we won the 2018 Family Favorite Award in the Historic Sites category of Boston Parents Paper Reader’s Choice Awards. These honors and the research behind them reflect our dedication to offering families memorable experiences that spark excitement and learning.
Museum staff not only strive to welcome families to the museum as a place of family fun and learning, but to encourage other institutions to do the same with these new resources.
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Fourth graders learn about this history of "Old Ironsides" from a U.S. Navy sailor while on board USS Constitution.
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Educating Beyond Our Walls
We partnered with the officers and crew of USS Constitution on a landmark initiative, All Aboard, to serve students like never before. Museum educators and United States Navy sailors work together to provide new student-centered STEM and history-based programs that integrate the ship and the museum in innovative ways through hands-on activities and immersive experiences on board Constitution.
One Boston teacher was ecstatic about the program, saying, “The kids couldn’t stop talking about what an awesome time they had. You guys did a wonderful job putting the experience together for us. I plan to make this an annual field trip.” A fourth grade student who participated told us, “Thank you for letting us come to the USS Constitution Museum. I had a lot of fun there! I enjoyed when we got to learn about simple machines and test them out. I also really had fun going out and exploring ‘Old Ironsides.’”
All Aboard included a program for camp groups this summer based on the experiences of David Debias, an 8-year-old African American boy born free in Boston. Development of this program is supported in part by the Institute for Museum & Library Services and Liberty Mutual. |
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USS Constitution underway in Boston Harbor.
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USS Constitution Underway Cruise
On Friday, September 21, "Old Ironsides" will go underway in Boston Harbor, honoring Gold Star Families and Boston Public Schools teachers! Watch from sites along the waterfront as America's Ship of State salutes the families’ sacrifice and honors educators as we start another school year.
If you are a teacher at a Massachusetts K-12 school and interested in coming aboard for the cruise, please email Susan and sreed@usscm.org by Monday, September 10. Participation is on a first come, first served basis.
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Leadership Speaker Series
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USS Constitution Museum Leadership Speaker Series
John F. Lehman
65th United States Secretary of the Navy
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
6:00 - 8:00 PM
You're invited to our Leadership Speaker Series with former Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman. Serving under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1987, Secretary Lehman was a driving force in the resurgence of American naval dominance at the height of the Cold War. Through his vision of building up the U.S. Navy's fleet and boldly asserting its presence around the globe, he articulated an ambitious response to the Soviet Union and helped set a course for victory in the Cold War. He shares his insider's insight in his new book, Oceans Ventured: Winning the Cold War at Sea. The book will be available for purchase on the museum's online store in mid-September; a limited number of copies will be available for sale and to have signed the night of the event. Join us as Secretary Lehman discusses his pivotal part in the debates, decisions, and deal-making behind this dynamic chapter in naval history. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres and explore how these Cold War lessons in leadership apply to the challenges of today's seas.
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Thursday, October 25, 2018
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
The USS Constitution Museum Gala – A Salute to Service is the museum’s premier fundraiser and recognizes individuals who display some of the very characteristics of courage and commitment that Constitution represents. This year we will celebrate Constitution’s 221st birthday. Proceeds from the evening support the museum’s educational outreach and innovative STEM-based programs.
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Congresswoman Niki Tsongas
2018 Recipient of the Charles Francis Adams Award
Congresswoman Tsongas was elected to the United States House of Representatives in a 2007 special election, becoming the first woman in 25 years to serve in Congress from Massachusetts. She is an advocate for military servicemembers and veterans, a dedicated partner of our national parks, and an ardent supporter of local innovation. As she prepares to leave Congress this fall, Congresswoman Tsongas will be honored for her commitment to the same ideals USS Constitution represents—dedication to community, commitment to purpose, and excellence in all endeavors.
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Gary P. Kearney, M.D.
2018 Recipient of the “Old Ironsides” Exemplary Service Award
We will recognize Gary P. Kearney, M.D. for his dedicated leadership as Vice Chairman of the Board and a trustee for more than twelve years. Through his commitment to stewardship and outreach, we completed a successful War of 1812 Bicentennial Campaign and saw annual visitation grow to more than 500,000. During an exciting decade for the museum, Dr. Kearney has been an essential partner in raising support and enthusiasm for the museum’s mission.
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In the Yard: Boston in the War of 1812
September 7 | 6:30 - 8:-00 PM
Discover the role the Charlestown Navy Yard had in supporting USS Constitution and the Navy during the War of 1812. This 60-minute walking tour begins at the large flagpole at the base of Pier 1, Charlestown Navy Yard.
Join us > >
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In the Yard: Boston Navy Yard in the Civil War
September 14 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Discover how the Boston Navy Yard helped defeat the South during the Civil War. This 60-minute walking tour begins at the large flagpole at the base of Pier 1 and concludes with a special visit to the Commandant’s House.
Join us > >
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In the Yard: 1812 Marines
September 15 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The United States Marines guarded the Charlestown Navy Yard throughout its entire history as an active Navy installation. They also served aboard ships like USS Constitution during the War of 1812. Come learn how they served both ashore and at sea!
Join us > >
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Boston Area Chantey & Maritime Sing
September 16 | 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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Art on the Trails to Freedom
Now - October 1
Come see three amazing art installations this summer at the Charlestown Navy Yard! This program, hosted by the National Parks of Boston and the USS Constitution Museum, features work from three Boston-based artists: a sculpture by Somerville resident Chris Frost, a sound installation by Boston-based composer Maria Finkelmeier, and a mixed-media installation by Yale School of Art and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts graduate Marlon Forrester.
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, 9:00 AM to 6:00 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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