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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Once again, we remember a horrific time in our country's history when people, globally, faced annihilation. Ordinary men and women, our fathers and mothers, grandfathers, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, heard the bell and answered the call--- and rose to greatness. "....we few...we happy few...we band of brothers". They are in their late 90's and they will not be forgotten. Thank you. Thank you for your service.
USS CONSTITUTION . SONNET DECEMBER 7, 1941
Look toward the east and watch the rising sun.
Beware the iron fist hid in the glove.
And there's a third whose powers long begun.
The Axis hawks pretending to be doves.
Mark well the course. The years of peace now gone.
The bugles called to arms. The ship bells peal.
A harbor scorched one bloody Sunday morn.
A President's resolved forged out of steel.
And once again she filled a nation's need,
Commissioned 'fore another day would last.
The frigate that the Navy asked to lead
A county's future sailed from out the past.
A ship will live when people know her worth.
And so she lives because of noble birth.
It is difficult to believe that sixty years have passed since President John F. Kennedy spoke of passing the torch to a new generation. Forty years earlier Lieut-Col. John McCrae, a Canadian soldier, who wrote of that torch. After four years of service on the western front fighting the dark forces of evil that had spread through Europe, he died in France, January, 1918. We are so grateful for all the men and women in our armed forces who are carrying the torch today. And we are forever thankful for all those who led the way. We thank you for service.
USS CONSTITUTION . SONNET 1919. VETERANS' DAY
A President wrote of the war. Do not
Forget the sacrifices dearly made
By your country's sons, for all those who fought,
Those who are with us---and those who are dead.
In years of peace to come, you might not know
Their names or faces----or resting places.
Think of their valor in fighting the foe.
Think of the Furies---and blessed Graces.
The poet wrote of singing larks and guns
And failing hands that throw the torch to you.
And breaking faith with them. Take heed, O sons.
In Flanders Fields he told you what to do.
A ship will live when people know her worth.
And so she lives because of noble birt
While working as an electrician at the Boston Naval Shipyard, my husband was honored to have worked on the USS Constitution replacing and upgrading her wiring. He just passed away two weeks ago and our family was so proud to have her sailors serve as honor guards at his graveside ceremony. God bless, and Happy Birthday Old Ironsides!
Edward G Durivage giving a tour May 1963
USS Constitution at 1:1250 sscale
Heinz-Peter Weiss (Germany) makes limited edition miniature paper models of historic ship at the scale of 1:250 ( See also Society of Miniature Ship Collectors
http://smsc-home.org/index.html )
USS Constitution at 1:1250 sscale
Heinz-Peter Weiss (Germany) makes limited edition miniature paper models of historic ship at the scale of 1:250 ( See also Society of Miniature Ship Collectors
http://smsc-home.org/index.html )
Great program. Hope I can find it to show mt grandboys later.
USS CONSTITUTION Sonnet JULY 4
I never claimed a noble birth nor spoke
Of those who dressed in suits with velvet bands,
But learned the ways of copper, pine and oak
And iron forged by master craftsman's hands.
This ship is built in keeping with the past,
Is hailed in celebration of the day,
Is sailed, crew ready 'fore the mast.
GOD speed---His grace bestowed along the way.
Events occurred. They're writ in history.
They tell of men who lived and died each year
In wars fought to defend our liberty.
Full measure given. Ay. The cost was dear.
The questions circled 'round and 'round for men
Would hesitate to let this frigate die.
You know her story. Think on it, and then
Teach others so they'll know the reasons why.
KEEP HER FIT. FLY HER FLAG ON HIGH.
UNFURL HER CANVAS. LET HER CANNONS ROAR.
A ship will live when people now her worth.
And so she lives because of noble birth.
First Memorial Day
USS CONSTITUTION SONNET 1868
If you would close your eyes and breathe in deep,
If you would pause and let your mind be free,
Let not Hypnos's poppies trick you to sleep,
Let visions ebb and flow...then you will see
The ones thought lost to you have not gone far,
The ones who lived and loved in every way
Are part of the great cosmos like the stars,
Are still as dear and near to you every day.
And Heaven holds the ones you did not know,
And heaven blessed because they paid the price.
Be of good cheer, your memories keep the glow
Between your place on earth and Paradise.
A ship will live when people know her worth.
And so she lives because of noble birth.
I really enjoy this site. Good info and articles. I grew up in Cambridge and my father was a rigger at the Navy Yard - he worked on the Constitution during her refits at the Yard. Great ship - been aboard many times - now live in SC so don't get there often now - but your site keeps me in contact. Thanks.
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There is no where else I would rather be than Boston in the month of April. We who were born here and have lived here all our lives know what I am talking about. Today is BOSTON ONE DAY, in memory of the loss and injury incurred by innocent by-standers at the Boston Marathon 7 years ago. On Saturday, the 18th, I would have been at the Old North Church at the lantern lighting ceremony. I even make it to Lexington once in a while. There is an incredible and unbreakable bond between the ship and the church and so I submit the following poems in honor of the heroes of the day, the patriots of 1775.
USS CONSTITUTION. SONNET 1775
What is it about Boston that rattles
the British so? The sister colonies
look toward the New World hub as it battles
Red Coat muskets in hostilities
that started that fateful night in April.
No hiding behind Indian faces
when the riders spread their warning that will
send militia fighters to their places--
two lanterns in Old North, the golden lights
that will illuminate the way to more
than they could ever imagine. The night
air warms the spirit as never before.
With thoughts unspoken life is kept intact.
Un-loosened words give men the strength to act.
USS CONSTITUTION SONNET 1775
Ungrateful rabble! How dare you reject
All that being British has to offer.
Have you nerve to fight? Think you can protect
city, field and farm 'gainst those who'd die for
royal heads? Swords and muskets, troops in red coats
off to Lexington, then Concord's river,
march some twenty miles in step with high notes
of fife and drum. Who'll stand and deliver?
There! Across the lawn in their work-day clothes,
also ready to die---for a brother.
New World men bravely lined up in rows
muskets poised , arm in arm with each other.
Defiant to the death this April morn
A new breed of American is born.
