Our Story
At the USS Constitution Museum we are dedicated to engaging all ages in the story of “Old Ironsides” to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. We ensure that the stories of USS Constitution and those who shaped her history are never forgotten, always remain relevant, and inspire as many people as possible. We provide an environment where inter-generational groups seeking an enjoyable and educational experience can have fun while learning and exploring history together.
Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum is a proud partner the National Parks of Boston, Naval History & Heritage Command, and USS Constitution.
For more information, visit us at usscm.org.
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Meet Billie Farrell, the first female commander of the USS Constitution Museum, and then head to Greenfield, Massachusetts and grab a beer at Four Phantoms Brewing Company. Here's your first look at the stories Connecting Point is featuring tonight at 7:30 p.m. and live streaming at nepm.org/connectingpoint.
Meet Billie Farrell, the first female commander of the USS Constitution Museum, and then head to Greenfield, Massachusetts and grab a beer at Four Phantoms Brewing Company. Here's your first look at the stories Connecting Point is featuring tonight at 7:30 p.m. and live streaming at nepm.org/connectingpoint.
Meet Billie Farrell, the first female commander of the USS Constitution Museum, and then head to Greenfield, Massachusetts and grab a beer at Four Phantoms Brewing Company. Here's your first look at the stories we're featuring tonight at 7:30pm on New England Public Media and live streaming at nepm.org/connectingpoint.
The Arts and the Artist ⚓👌
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👉 2021 ITF "Out Of Sight, Not Out Of Mind" Grand Winner 🏆⚓ (worldwide)
- Cover of limited edition book."
- Cover of "Seafarers Bulletin Magazine".
- Photo featured in UK🇬🇧 and local Museum photo exhibit.
👉 2022 ITF "Life At Sea" Finalist ⚓ (worldwide)
- Photo featured in USS Constitution Museum in Boston, USA 🇺🇲.
👉 2023 Expo Maritime Philippines 1st Ever Photo Contest Grand Winner 🏆⚓
👉 AMOSUP Philippines - Magazine featured photo.
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Throwback Thursday to The Cambridge Matignon School field trip taken last week to the USS Constitution and USS Constitution Museum!
We thought we were excited about the USS Constitution Museum July 4 block party when we read their entry to the event contest, but then they shared with us a video of their team learning they won the contest – and WOW!
This is going to be an awesome day in Boston’s Charleston Navy Yard. Attendees will see USS Constitution depart for its annual Underway before jumping into a slew of fun, patriotic-themed activities like mini gold, Alka-Seltzer cannon making, and letting writing to US Navy recruits. Huzzah! It’s going to be a great day, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.
We thought we were excited about the USS Constitution Museum July 4 block party when we read their entry to the event contest, but then they shared with us a video of their team learning they won the contest – and WOW!
This is going to be an awesome day in Boston’s Charleston Navy Yard. Attendees will see USS Constitution depart for its annual Underway before jumping into a slew of fun, patriotic-themed activities like mini gold, Alka-Seltzer cannon making, and letting writing to US Navy recruits. Huzzah! It’s going to be a great day, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.
This year marked our 2nd Annual Network Event Contest. We received more than 300 entries - each one was thoughtful, innovative, and, most importantly, impactful - all vying for a $50,000 grant to plan and host an event for active service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers.
Selecting just 3 winners wasn't an easy task, but we somehow managed! So, on that note, we are THRILLED to announce this year's winners: wear blue: run to remember, USS Constitution Museum, and Stack Up!
If you didn't win, don't let that discourage you from entering again next year. And be on the lookout for new funding opportunities! Our work is made possible because of YOUR passion and commitment to supporting veteran and military communities. Thank you all for having their six.
This year marked our 2nd Annual Network Event Contest. We received more than 300 entries - each one was thoughtful, innovative, and, most importantly, impactful - all vying for a $50,000 grant to plan and host an event for active service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers.
Selecting just 3 winners wasn't an easy task, but we somehow managed! So, on that note, we are THRILLED to announce this year's winners: wear blue: run to remember, USS Constitution Museum, and Stack Up!
If you didn't win, don't let that discourage you from entering again next year. And be on the lookout for new funding opportunities! Our work is made possible because of YOUR passion and commitment to supporting veteran and military communities. Thank you all for having their six.
In honor of Women's History Month today we shine the spotlight on Lieutenant Commander Claire V. Bloom, the first female officer aboard USS Constitution. Bloom served as USS Constitution's executive officer from 1996-1998 and led the historic 1997 sail in which Old Ironsides sailed under her own power for the first time since 1881. Before being assigned to USS Constitution, she served as an assistant director of the Women’s Policy Office where she established policies that gave women more opportunities throughout the Navy. After retiring from the Navy, she went on to author several published books as well as establishing and serving as the Executive Director of End 68 Hours of Hunger (E86) which is a non-profit organization that targets the 68 hours of hunger that some school children experience between the free lunch they receive at school on Friday afternoon and the free breakfast they receive at school on Monday morning. Bravo Zulu Lt. Cmdr. Claire V. Bloom!
Photo: USS Constitution Museum
This week, our Grade 5 students joined the crew at the USS Constitution. Students simulated firing a cannon, rolling the hammocks, and swabbing the desks with a holy stone. USS Constitution Museum
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In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize Ruby Litinsky who helped pave the way for more female inclusion on USS Constitution. Ruby Litinsky was a reporter for the Peabody Times and in 1971 tried to sneak onto one of USS Constitution’s “men only” turn around cruises. Originally, she filed a request for her to board Old Ironsides and join the crew as a reporter for the cruise but was promptly denied since women weren’t allowed on board once the ship left the dock. Litinsky was relentless and after her denial sought other means to join the crew. This is when Litinsky decided to dress as a man and sneak aboard. On the morning of June 23, 1971, Litinsky, wearing her disguise, successfully made it past two marine guards up the gangway and boarded the ship. Though her disguise as a man was enough to fool the marine guards, her small stature and feminine features made her distinguishable from the men on board. USS Constitution’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jack L. Reifschneider, eventually noticed Litinsky and stopped her from attending the cruise. Litinsky’s story was later picked up by The Boston Globe and newspapers around the country which helped the growing Women’s Liberation Movement which demanded inclusion in a number of American societal norms that were most exclusively male dominated by both law and tradition. By the following year, USS Constitution’s policies on women attending turn around cruises had changed and on June 14, 1972 at least three dozen women joined Old Ironsides on her turn around cruise in Boston Harbor.
Photo Credit: USS Constitution Museum
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Yesterday, the U.S. Naval Submarine School had the pleasure to host a Women’s Leadership Program event with special guest Cmdr. Billie Farrell, commanding officer of the USS Constitution.
Farrell is the first woman commanding officer aboard the USS Constitution also known as Old Ironsides.
USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) Crew Members
USS Constitution Museum
Submarine Base New London
Click here to see more photos from the event:
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[email protected]/albums/72177720306573406
Tomorrow, the U.S. Naval Submarine School will be hosting a Women's Leadership Program event with Cmdr. Billie Farrell, the first woman commanding officer of the USS Constitution.
Anyone with Naval Submarine Base New London access is welcome to attend.
A special thanks to the Groton Area Women’s Leadership group for putting this event together.
USS Constitution
USS Constitution Museum
David Debias was a Black Sailor who served on USS Constitution as a ship’s boy in the early 1800’s. Debias became the youngest Sailor to ever serve on the Constitution after his father sent him aboard USS Constitution at just eight years old. He was assigned to Master’s Mate Nathaniel G. Leighton as a servant was given the rank of ship’s boy. Ship’s Boys were the lowest ranking position aboard USS Constitution and typically served as servants to officers and carried powder to supply the guns during battle. On February 20, 1815, USS Constitution engaged in battle with HMS Cyane and HMS Levant and eventually defeated both. While sailing as part of the HMS Levant’s prized crew Debias and Master’s Mate Leighton were captured by a British squadron and imprisoned in Barbados until May 1815. After his release Debias returned to Boston and re-enlisted into the Navy in 1821 and served on USS Constitution once more in the Mediterranean until 1824 when he joined the merchant service. In 1838, he was picked up as a fugitive from slavery and was held captive in Mississippi. Though Debias’ fate is unknown, a local lawyer named Thomas Falconer believed Debias was a free man and pleaded with the Secretary of the Navy for his naval records to prove his Naval service to our Country.
Photo: USS Constitution Museum