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USS Constitution Museum

USS Constitution Museum The Museum preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides" and those who shaped her history with exhibits and programs for all ages.

The USS Constitution Museum preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides" and those who shaped her history with exhibits and programs for all ages. The USS Constitution Museum and the USS Constitution (the Ship) are operated by different organizations. See the Ship's website (http://www.navy.mil/local/constitution/) for the most up-to-date information about the Ship's public visitation hours.

Operating as usual

This National  we honor the brave men and women who went above and beyond the call of duty to serve our nation. Learn ab...
03/25/2023

This National we honor the brave men and women who went above and beyond the call of duty to serve our nation. Learn about the four recipients that received this military decoration while serving aboard “Old Ironsides.” bit.ly/3eTKXWD

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor Photo Credit: U.S. Navy, Oscar Sosa

03/24/2023
Constitution Video: The Down Rigging Begins

There's been some *unusual* activity at the Ship this week.... if you're here you'll notice a very large crane. We're re-sharing this video from USS Constitution as they started down-rigging Old Ironsides to remove the 10,000-pound main fighting top so it can be replaced! We'll follow the story this Summer and Fall and can't wait to see the progress.

Hey Scouts, we have an exciting event just for you! Come and join us for Scout Day at the USS Constitution Museum on Sun...
03/23/2023

Hey Scouts, we have an exciting event just for you! Come and join us for Scout Day at the USS Constitution Museum on Sunday, April 2nd. You'll get to participate in various activities and learn about the Navy today as well as life at sea in 1812! Plus, you can earn scout rank advancement badges. Learn more & register now at usscm.org/events/scout-day/

We have a winner!  Congrats to the Utz Kettle Classic Maui BBQ  -- our pick for "America's Chip of State."  🥔 🏆  🎉   Utz...
03/23/2023

We have a winner! Congrats to the Utz Kettle Classic Maui BBQ -- our pick for "America's Chip of State." 🥔 🏆 🎉 Utz pulled away the victory in the final four showdown earlier this afternoon in a submission by our staff member Denise! 👏 Until next year.... Happy



There's some stiff competition for the title of America's Chip of State... we take our snacks seriously here and the reg...
03/23/2023

There's some stiff competition for the title of America's Chip of State... we take our snacks seriously here and the regional favs are in the lineup. We still have one more round then it's final four showdown at noon! What's your favorite chip?

In 1996, Lieutenant Commander Claire V. Bloom became the first woman to serve as Executive Officer of USS Constitution. ...
03/22/2023

In 1996, Lieutenant Commander Claire V. Bloom became the first woman to serve as Executive Officer of USS Constitution. She also became the first woman to don an officer’s 1812-style uniform in the modern U.S. Navy. USS Constitution’s sailors wear custom-made uniforms to commemorate the War of 1812. Learn more about : http://bit.ly/3kzrv6U







Photo credit of portrait: Courtesy of U.S. Navy

Closing out the day with a last tribute for .  Did you know there were multiple Rosies? Norman Rockwell's likeness of Ro...
03/22/2023

Closing out the day with a last tribute for . Did you know there were multiple Rosies? Norman Rockwell's likeness of Rosie also paved the way for "Wendy the Welder" and many other iterations over the years. Today, whatever her name, we remember the five million civilian women across the U.S. who went to work in factories across many industries during WW2 to support the American effort. 🇺🇸

All the Rosies of today send thanks to the Rosies of yesterday. 💪

In this photo, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Apphia Gomes, 336th Air Refueling Squadron, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker near March Air Reserve Base, Dec. 18, 2017. The C-17 carried Elinor Otto, better known as Rosie the Riveter, on her first C-17 flight.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Eric Harris / Released)

We'd like to acknowledge ALL the winning ships from the USS Constitution Museum LEGO® Ship Shape Competition during the ...
03/21/2023

We'd like to acknowledge ALL the winning ships from the USS Constitution Museum LEGO® Ship Shape Competition during the 2023 LEGO® Maritime Festival. Follow the link below to see all the titles and photos of all the amazing, winning ships. 👏 🎉 ⚓

Pictured here are four winning entries:
T-Rex Ship, Arthur, 5
USS Swift, Luke, 11
Under Sea Adventure, Mireya 8, Dan 35
The Black Widow, Luke, 11

Everyone did a tremendous job! 🚢 Check out all the winners: https://bit.ly/3yZKY4t

Cue the drumroll please...🥁   The 2023 Grand Prize Winner of the USS Constitution Museum LEGO® Ship Shape Competition AT...
03/21/2023

Cue the drumroll please...🥁 The 2023 Grand Prize Winner of the USS Constitution Museum LEGO® Ship Shape Competition AT-HOME Build is.... Three Seas Cargo Ship!

Congrats to the creative builders Carter, age 7; Camden, age 9; and Christine, age 37. Our judges find the water action exciting and the top deck fun to check out! Great Job! 👏 👏 👏

See it for yourself.....

We'll be posting more of the winners from our LEGO® Maritime Festival this afternoon!  All the entries are amazing and c...
03/21/2023

We'll be posting more of the winners from our LEGO® Maritime Festival this afternoon! All the entries are amazing and creative. Stay tuned....

Congrats to the builder of the ship King Moose, our LEGO® Maritime Festival GRAND PRIZE WINNER for the in-person build. ...
03/21/2023

Congrats to the builder of the ship King Moose, our LEGO® Maritime Festival GRAND PRIZE WINNER for the in-person build. 👏 🎉

To the winner: we need your contact information! If this is your ship, please contact us to claim your prize!"

And in the meantime, we can continue to appreciate the clever design of King Moose....

Go  at USS Constitution's repair shop with Builder 1st Class Hilary Lemelin. She's part of the team of U.S. Navy builder...
03/21/2023
Crafting Wood from USS Constitution

Go at USS Constitution's repair shop with Builder 1st Class Hilary Lemelin. She's part of the team of U.S. Navy builders who craft beautiful and distinctive signs, awards, and even a replica ship’s wheel for the Pentagon, using hand tools and materials removed from “Old Ironsides” during restorations. https://youtu.be/I2CiJVi8G8s

We think of her as our own --

Builder 1st Class Hilary Lemelin, assigned to USS Constitution, takes us behind the scenes of USS Constitution's woodworking repair shop in the Charlestown N...

The history of Old Ironsides has long been told in poems and songs by famous authors and sailors alike. See some of our ...
03/20/2023
Poems for a Nation's Ship - USS Constitution Museum

The history of Old Ironsides has long been told in poems and songs by famous authors and sailors alike. See some of our timeless favorites, from the Museum Collection.

USS Constitution is living history, captured in drawings, paintings, and photographs. The legacy of “Old Ironsides’” and its sailors are chronicled in countless annals. Over. . .

Are you a Scout? Join us for USS Constitution Museum's Scout Day–a special day of activities just for Boy Scouts and Gir...
03/20/2023

Are you a Scout? Join us for USS Constitution Museum's Scout Day–a special day of activities just for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on Sunday, April 2. You'll learn about life at sea in 1812 and life in the Navy today, all while meeting requirements for scout rank advancement badges. Register today: usscm.org/events/scout-day/

Hey, ! Nothing warms the tum-tum like a hot bowl of MRE.  C'mon you know you want to try it... We're stocked and ready f...
03/18/2023

Hey, ! Nothing warms the tum-tum like a hot bowl of MRE. C'mon you know you want to try it... We're stocked and ready for the mad rush! 🍽️ 🆘 🏕️

Available now in our Museum Store in Charlestown, open daily during Museum hours.





Irish-born sailors and immigrants played a significant role on the USS Constitution during the War of 1812.  Learn more ...
03/17/2023

Irish-born sailors and immigrants played a significant role on the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. Learn more about the seamen and crew who hailed from Ireland, including the story of George Campbell Read (pictured) who served three times on Constitution and eventually became Commander of the bomb ketch Vesuvius, and commandant of the Navy Yard. ⚓ 🍀 🇮🇪 http://bit.ly/401Hb1S


We are honored to be selected by The Bob Woodruff Foundation as a  event contest winner! Their grant will give us the ch...
03/16/2023

We are honored to be selected by The Bob Woodruff Foundation as a event contest winner! Their grant will give us the chance to create a July 4th block party to honor our military community. We can't wait to get to work to create a day to remember for the community. Huzzah!

Winter storms and a museum closure didn't stop us from  celebrations. It's still happening in our Museum office today!  ...
03/15/2023

Winter storms and a museum closure didn't stop us from celebrations. It's still happening in our Museum office today! We're rebranding it as the "Pie-des of March."

Women weren't allowed to be sailors during the War of 1812. But, reports indicate that women were part of the clash betw...
03/15/2023

Women weren't allowed to be sailors during the War of 1812. But, reports indicate that women were part of the clash between USS Constitution & HMS Guerriere, “engaged in passing powder, and other munitions of war!” Who were these Women Making Waves and how did they get swept up in the action? Our historian and curation team tells the story: http://bit.ly/3SzhXFw







📷 Constitution & Guerriere, by George Ropes, Jr., 1813. Detail of Constitution’s Marines on the fore and main fighting tops firing down upon Guerriere‘s spar deck. [USS Constitution Museum Collection, 2094.2]

It's another wintery moment in Boston! We will delay opening until noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 15th. Until then, enj...
03/14/2023

It's another wintery moment in Boston! We will delay opening until noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 15th. Until then, enjoy this beautiful pic of the ship during a storm in 2020 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant G. Grady, courtesy of U.S. Navy. Stay safe, be warm, be well, and see you tomorrow afternoon! ❄️ 🌨️ ☃️

It's not exactly Pi or Pie, but it is related to food and math (two of our favorite subjects!). USS Constitution‘s cook ...
03/14/2023

It's not exactly Pi or Pie, but it is related to food and math (two of our favorite subjects!). USS Constitution‘s cook had to do a lot of math to feed 480 hungry men. Here are some fun and easy Constitution-based recipes, especially for a .

Put your math skills to test by scaling the serving sizes found in the recipes for Ship’s Biscuit, Sailors Duff, and Hot Chocolate to serve meals for 480 people! If one serving size equals enough for one sailor, how much of each ingredient will you need to make enough food for everyone aboard Constitution in 1812? Happy

Get the recipes: http://bit.ly/42cWWoE

We may have "sprung forward," but winter is sticking around!  Due to winter weather advisories, the Museum will be close...
03/14/2023

We may have "sprung forward," but winter is sticking around! Due to winter weather advisories, the Museum will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14th. Stay warm. Stay safe!

Existentialism in the Navy Yard? 🤔  Got a question about Old Ironsides for our historian or curation team?  Let us know!...
03/13/2023

Existentialism in the Navy Yard? 🤔 Got a question about Old Ironsides for our historian or curation team? Let us know! What do you want to know about USS Constitution, maritime or naval history?




USS Constitution crew member Richard Fletcher Dunn was struck in the leg with British grapeshot during the War of 1812 b...
03/13/2023
Objects Up Close: Seaman Dunn's Wooden Leg

USS Constitution crew member Richard Fletcher Dunn was struck in the leg with British grapeshot during the War of 1812 battle with HMS Guerriere. He lost his leg in the aftermath... learn about the hasty surgical procedure and his wooden leg, from our Museum Collection (1-min video - TRIGGER WARNING for the description of amputation).

During the War of 1812 battle with HMS Guerriere, USS Constitution crew member Richard Fletcher Dunn was struck in the leg with British grapeshot. His leg wa...

We're celebrating ! 🎉  It’s the perfect way for a girl to gain confidence, make friends, and learn new skills—not to men...
03/12/2023

We're celebrating ! 🎉 It’s the perfect way for a girl to gain confidence, make friends, and learn new skills—not to mention have a ton of fun along the way. 💚 💚

Are you a Girl Scout? Join us for Scout Day at USS Constitution on April 2 at the Museum. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3Zp3YVr

If you live in the U.S. and in most markets... it's that time of year! Don't forget to Spring Forward tomorrow! 🕐  One l...
03/12/2023

If you live in the U.S. and in most markets... it's that time of year! Don't forget to Spring Forward tomorrow! 🕐 One less hour of rest 💤 means more time to visit us for a great day in the Navy Yard! And if you lived nearby, the Ship's cannon could be your early morning wake-up call! ⏰

📷 courtesy of U.S. Navy

Can you hear me now? 📞 📡 📵   Before the smartphone was the speaking or hailing trumpet.  It provided ships with a way to...
03/11/2023

Can you hear me now? 📞 📡 📵 Before the smartphone was the speaking or hailing trumpet. It provided ships with a way to communicate -- onboard and also with other ships! Learn more about the speaking trumpet, from our collection [2 min read and video] http://bit.ly/424klbw

What's outside your window? We're grateful to see the sun shining on Old Ironsides across the Yard and flags at Dry Dock...
03/10/2023

What's outside your window? We're grateful to see the sun shining on Old Ironsides across the Yard and flags at Dry Dock #1. ⚓

Please help us get nominated as a Boston Family Favorite!  Our museum has focused on hands-on activities for families as...
03/10/2023
Boston Family Favorites Ballot - Boston Parents Paper

Please help us get nominated as a Boston Family Favorite!

Our museum has focused on hands-on activities for families as a means to engage kids in learning through the stories of Old Ironsides. From a LEGO® Shipyard to a mast where they can learn to unfurl a sail... won't you please help nominate us?

We're eligible in two categories - "Museums & Attractions" and "Historic Sites and Tours!" The most nominations before April 5th move on to the next round....

http://bit.ly/3YVCMgB

Do you own a business? Register Now For Your Free “Vote for Us” Badge Customized with your business name [click here] Best of Family Favorites! About Boston Parents’ Family Favorites Boston Parents’ Family Favorites was born with the idea to give readers in Greater Boston and throughout the ...

Before there were selfies, people had to sit for days and weeks for painted portraits. 😬  Enter the daguerreotype. 👏 The...
03/09/2023
Objects Up Close: Daguerreotype of Susan Bainbridge

Before there were selfies, people had to sit for days and weeks for painted portraits. 😬 Enter the daguerreotype. 👏 The first stable type of photograph, invented in 1839, forever changed how we see and visually represent ourselves. In this video, take a closer look at the daguerreotype of Susan Bainbridge, wife of William Bainbridge, Commander of USS Constitution and eventual Commodore of the U.S. Navy in 1812.

📹 This video has been made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan () grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The invention of photography forever changed how we see and visually represent ourselves. In this video, take a closer look at Susan Bainbridge’s daguerreoty...

This Sunday is Sensory Friendly Sunday. Visit the Museum in a quieter setting, without loud sounds or flashing lights, a...
03/09/2023
Sensory-Friendly Sunday - USS Constitution Museum

This Sunday is Sensory Friendly Sunday. Visit the Museum in a quieter setting, without loud sounds or flashing lights, and before we open to the public at 10:00 AM. All the fun, with less stimulus. Register in advance by following the link below.




Join us for a sensory-friendly morning at the USS Constitution Museum! Learn about the incredible history of America’s Ship of State in a quieter setting, without loud sounds or flashing lights, and before we open to the public at 10:00 AM. Design a ship, furl a sail, and scrub the decks in our ha...

We have a winner! 🏆 The vote is in: Michael Swanson's "Vasa" won the 43rd Annual USS Constitution's Model Shipwright sho...
03/08/2023

We have a winner! 🏆 The vote is in: Michael Swanson's "Vasa" won the 43rd Annual USS Constitution's Model Shipwright show, "Masters of Miniature."

Michael is a Massachusetts-based civil engineer who entered a Viking long ship and HMS Bounty of Captain Blighe fame. But it was his his intricate and detailed model of Vasa, an innovative Swedish warship that captured the win! Vasa was launched to disastrous results, capsizing in 1628 after only minutes in the water. After being raised, she is now a stunning focus of Vasamuseet / The Vasa Museum.

Congratulations to Michael!

📸 : Henry Rodrigues

It's !  Take a listen to a conversation with the first female Commanding Officer of USS Constitution, CDR BJ Farrell, an...
03/08/2023

It's ! Take a listen to a conversation with the first female Commanding Officer of USS Constitution, CDR BJ Farrell, and our Museum President Anne Grimes Rand. She talks about her choice to take on the role and her desire to shine a light on the historic ship across the country. Watch the video: http://bit.ly/3J1JVH0







📸 Courtesy of U.S. Navy

📢 Check out our latest blog post, which is an exciting tale that connects USS Constitution to the dissolution of Preside...
03/07/2023

📢 Check out our latest blog post, which is an exciting tale that connects USS Constitution to the dissolution of President Andrew Jackson's cabinet! It's a story filled with intrigue, power struggles, social scandal, and the unraveling of an entire administration. Head over to our blog now to see how it all unfolds. 📖

https://bit.ly/3mexaQo

📣 Calling all Scouts! Join us for USS Constitution Museum's Scout Day–a special day of activities just for Boy Scouts an...
03/06/2023

📣 Calling all Scouts! Join us for USS Constitution Museum's Scout Day–a special day of activities just for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on Sunday, April 2. You'll learn about life at sea in 1812 and life in the Navy today, all while meeting requirements for scout rank advancement badges. Register today: usscm.org/events/scout-day/

If you're looking for some fun on this wintery morning, we've got just the thing! 🎮🕹️Get ready to set sail with A Sailor...
03/04/2023

If you're looking for some fun on this wintery morning, we've got just the thing! 🎮🕹️Get ready to set sail with A Sailor's Life for Me! mini-games. 🌊⚓️🐙

Take control of the ship and steer to safety....or if you're feeling competitive, race to the cannons and fire away! Our fav: try your luck with the soon-to-be-a-classic Rats in the Hold. 🐀👀

Get in the game: http://bit.ly/3ZmYN8k





Winter is making a comeback! The Museum will delay opening tomorrow, Saturday, March 4, until noon. Stay safe, everyone....
03/03/2023

Winter is making a comeback! The Museum will delay opening tomorrow, Saturday, March 4, until noon. Stay safe, everyone. ❄️ ⛄

Now, that's a sword! Or, actually, a cutlass. From our collection: the USS Adams Cutlass c.1799.  This cutlass was part ...
03/03/2023

Now, that's a sword! Or, actually, a cutlass. From our collection: the USS Adams Cutlass c.1799. This cutlass was part of the privately funded USS Adams, equipped with 80-100 specially made cutlasses. Each was engraved with "Ship Adams" on the counterguard and "USA" on the branch guard. Although it's unclear who made this sword, the stars and moon on the blade suggest it was made in Solingen, Germany. The branch guard has been restored based on the only other known example. It's a rare find and a fascinating piece of history!



03/02/2023
The Freedom to Read

Today's poem about USS Constitution and the freedom to read, brought to you by AI. Yes, there's an irony there. Let's all go read something great! 📚

It's  and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the love of reading nationwide, especially among our little ones! The...
03/02/2023

It's and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the love of reading nationwide, especially among our little ones! The pic is a flashback to summer when our Visitor Experience manager Chris read a book at the Museum to the kids from the Charlestown Library. We want to encourage everyone to join in on the fun and get lost in the wonderful world of reading. Let's ignite a passion for books and watch as our minds and hearts soar to new heights! 📚

Thank you, Boston Public Library for the opportunity!


Address

22 1st Avenue
Boston, MA
02129

10 minute walk from North Station On the MBTA Water Shuttle and Bus Route #93 Near Sullivan Square station

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(617) 426-1812

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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.

Nearby museums


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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.


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
Visit the USS Constitution Museum view the original post for more details
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:
[email protected]/albums/72177720306573406" rel="nofollow,noopener" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/[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
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