Charlestown MA: Visit Navy History Aboard Old Ironsides Print


Every school kid knows the story, the wooden warship that battled the British Navy during the War of 1812. After many decades in Baltimore Harbor, the USS Constitution was recently moved to the Boston Navy Yard. Today the floating museum is free to visitors, where they can see Navy weapons, sailors’ quarters, rigging, tools and other artifacts.

For those kids and adults who want to experience some hands-on seagoing crafts, there’s a regular schedule of classes, entertainment and other events.  The frigate is crewed by 60 active duty U.S. Navy personnel who keep Old Ironsides shipshape. Charlestown is a Boston harbor suburb served by regular ferry service. For hours and other info: ussconstitutionmuseum.org