USS Constitution Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1972 |
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| Location | Boston Navy Yard Building 22 Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts 02129 |
The USS Constitution Museum is a fantastic place to visit in Boston, Massachusetts. It's located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is part of the Boston National Historical Park. You'll find it right next to the famous ship, the USS Constitution, often called "Old Ironsides"! The museum is in a restored building at the end of Pier 2, close to Boston's historic Freedom Trail.
This museum uses its amazing collections and fun, interactive displays to tell the story of the Constitution. You'll learn all about the people who designed, built, and sailed this legendary ship. The museum also has a special library, the Samuel Eliot Morison Memorial Library, which holds many old records about the ship's history. The USS Constitution Museum is a private, non-profit group. It's managed separately from the Navy ship itself.
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Explore the Exhibits!
The museum has lots of cool exhibits where you can learn about life at sea and the ship's history:
- All Hands On Deck: This exhibit is for everyone! It's a hands-on experience that shows you what life was really like for sailors during the War of 1812.
- Old Ironsides in War and Peace: Dive deep into the ship's amazing story. Find out why and how she was built. Learn how she became famous during the War of 1812. Discover why she is still preserved today as the United States Navy's oldest warship.
- "Old Ironsides" War of 1812 Discovery Center: This interactive area helps you understand the causes and effects of the War of 1812. You can play games, watch videos, read books, and try other fun activities.
- Constitution vs HMS Java: This exhibit tells the exciting story of a famous battle. It's all about when the Constitution fought against the HMS Java. You'll see artwork, old records, and items from the battle.
Special Awards
The museum's leaders give out three important awards each year. These awards honor people who have done great things for the community or for maritime history.
The Samuel Eliot Morison Award
This is the highest award from the USS Constitution Museum Foundation. It honors someone whose public service has helped the Constitution and who is like Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison. This means they are great at history, proud of their country, interested in the sea, and want to save our past for future generations. Many important historians and public figures have received this award, including Walter Cronkite and David McCullough.
The Charles Francis Adams Award
This award honors the museum's founder, Charles Francis Adams IV. He spent his life supporting the community. This award goes to people or teams who have helped make their community better. It recognizes those who have made a big positive difference for others. Past winners include politicians like Edward M. Kennedy and Thomas M. Menino.
The Don Turner Award
This award honors Don Turner, who used to lead the USS Constitution Maintenance and Repair Facility. He did a lot to help preserve "Old Ironsides" and the skills used to build her. This award goes to people or teams who work hard to save important ships. It also recognizes those who have greatly improved our knowledge of ship design and building.
Images for kids
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The museum building in 2019.
See also
