“The famed Constitution.” This video features a narrative excerpt from "Hull’s Victory: or Huzza for the Constitution," a song in the Museum’s collection celebrating USS CONSTITUTION’s victory over HMS GUERRIERE during the War of 1812.
It was a pivotal moment that helped secure the ship’s legendary reputation as “Old Ironsides” and announced the young United States’ arrival on the world stage.
More than 200 years later, USS CONSTITUTION still inspires. 🇺🇸
See the Ship. Visit the Museum. Explore the story.
Old Ironsides, from a new point of view.
The Museum's ConstitutionCam captures a time-lapse look at USS Constitution, America's Ship of State, from our vantage point on Charlestown Navy Yard.
Your bird's-eye view starts here: usscm.org/constitution-cam/
📷 Greg M. Cooper Photography
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Please help the USS Constitution Museum become a Boston Family Favorite by voting for us in two categories:
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See link in bio to vote & help more families discover the stories of USS CONSTITUTION.
📸 Greg M. Cooper Photography
Coming soon. Boston Harbor. May 28.
USS CONSTITUTION is scheduled to get underway, and we’ll be following the moment as "Old Ironsides" returns to the harbor.
A summer like no other starts here. ⚓
Photos: Greg M. Cooper Photography, Video of USS Constitution underway courtesy of US Navy
These two letters between CONSTITUTION midshipmen and their mothers were written only days apart in October, 1824.
The first letter is dated October 15 and is from Amasa Paine to his mother, in which he relates how he was able to spend time with friends while CONSTITUTION was docked in New York. The second letter, dated October 18, is addressed to Philip A. Stockton, whose mother scolds her son for not writing and also offers her prayers for his safety and welfare.
Separated by centuries, these letters still feel familiar. A young person writing home. A mother waiting for word. A reminder that behind every sailor’s story are the families who loved them, worried for them, and sent them into the world with care.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, mother figures, and families who keep watch from shore.
Images: Letter from E. C. S. to Philip A. Stockton, October 18, 1824; Letter from Amasa Paine to his mother, October 15, 1824. USS Constitution Museum Collection.
Some things can only be understood up close.
Recently removed during preservation work, these enormous pieces of USS CONSTITUTION’s rigging, including old yardarms and mast sections, are now visible in the Yard. Their size is striking. Laid out at ground level, they offer a rare perspective on the scale of the ship and the skill required to build, maintain, and sail a vessel like “Old Ironsides.”
For more than 225 years, USS CONSTITUTION has endured because generations of craftspeople, Sailors, and caretakers have kept the ship strong. These massive timbers are part of that continuing story.
Come see the scale of history for yourself.
Throwback to 2019, when U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Selects took part in mast climbing evolutions aboard USS CONSTITUTION during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Week. ⚓ 🇺🇸
Each year, Heritage Week gives the Navy’s newest chiefs the opportunity to learn through history, mentorship, and hands-on training aboard America’s Ship of State. These experiences connect today’s sailors with more than two centuries of naval service, leadership, and tradition.
Photo: U.S. Navy
Great to collaborate with Sarah at the @usscm USS Constitution Museum on their newly finished gallery space. 40x60 prints on @moabpaper mounted to Dibond with aluminum tubing to allow the prints to “float” on the wall. Installation by John Roy @artcollection.services
All photos of #oldironsides USS Constitution by @gmcfoto Greg Cooper
Celebrate Mom with a Gift She’ll Love.
Shop online for Mother’s Day and save 15% on Gifts for Her, including ladies apparel, accessories, and jewelry.
Shop now at usscm.org/museum-store/ or at link in bio. and find something special for Mom. Use code REMEMBERMOM at checkout.
Available May 7-10, 2026. Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Thanks to the generous support of @usaa , the USS Constitution Museum is pleased to offer free admission throughout the month of May to active-duty U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.
It is our privilege to welcome you and to share the history and legacy of USS Constitution with those whose service continues to strengthen our country.
New in the Museum Store online: a distinctive flag box made from USS CONSTITUTION wood salvaged during restoration. A meaningful and dignified way to display Old Glory, made exclusively for and sold only by the USS Constitution Museum. 🇺🇸
Order yours today visit usscm.org/museum-store/ or see link in bio.
