uss constitution virtual tour

USS Constitution Museum

USS Constitution Museum, Building 22 Charlestown , MA 02129 United States

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The USS Constitution Museum engages its visitors with their exhibit " Old Ironsides " in War and Peace where three centuries of USS Constitution's history is retold. The museum houses hands-on activities, digital displays and a range of artifacts and archival records that help tell the story of the famed ship.

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USS Constitution

Old Ironsides: a History of America’s Ship of State

Naval Engagements in the War of 1812

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Thing to Do

USS CONSTITUTION: Explore this Historic Ship

Boston National Historical Park

Stepping aboard USS Constitution , you are walking the decks of the Nation's Ship of State and the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Imagine what life was like for the sailors who lived and worked aboard "Old Ironsides." Today, USS Constitution 's naval officers and crew serve as interpretative historians, sharing the history and stories of this ship with visitors.

To access USS Constitution , visitors must enter via a security checkpoint at the Navy Yard Visitor Center. Photo ID is required for individuals age 18 and older for access. This is for added security for USS Constitution , an active navy ship.

For more information, please see USS Constitution 's Hours and Visitor Info page .

USS Constitution is operated by the United States Navy, a partner to the National Parks of Boston.

When open, the active-duty crewmembers of USS  Constitution  guide visitors through the history and decks of this historic warship. Depending on season and visitor demand, crew may provided informational talks at set locations on board, or will organize timed guided tours, first come, first served.

Service animals are allowed on the top deck. For more information on Service Animals, please see USS Constitution 's Hours and Visitor Info page .

To access USS Constitution , visitors must enter the Navy Yard Visitor Center via a security checkpoint. Photo ID may be required for access. This is for added security for USS Constitution , an active navy ship.

USS Constitution  is open on a limited schedule. For more information, please see USS Constitution 's Hours and Visitor Info page .

USS Constitution is a historic ship with limited accessibility. A ramp provides access to the top deck dependent on tide conditions. Service animals are allowed on the top deck.

Individuals can explore the ship through this virtual tour .

For more information on Accessibility, please visit the USS Constitution 's Hours and Visitor Info page .

• boston national historical park
• charlestown
• charlestown navy yard
• war of 1812
• shipbuilding
• freedom trail

Last updated: May 26, 2023

Animation of USS Constitution’s Construction and Launch

Description.

An animated short of USS Constitution’s construction and subsequent launch into Boston Harbor on October 21, 1797 after two failed launch attempts. Illustrations by Stephen Biesty and animation by Anna Lindemann.

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The first amendment, virtual tours.

Welcome to the National Constitution Center’s virtual museum experience. Here, you can discover exhibits—both past and present—that were created by the National Constitution Center. From the constitutional conflicts of the Civil War to the vision and ambition of Alexander Hamilton, there’s plenty to learn right from your home!

Explore Our Exhibits Virtually

Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality

Explore this permanent exhibit to learn how the constitutional clashes over slavery led to the Civil War. The exhibit continues through the postwar period known as Reconstruction and highlights the three new amendments added to the Constitution—the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments—as the nation worked to fulfill its promise of freedom and equality. Join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and Exhibition Developer Elena Popchock on a video tour to learn about this critical period in American history.

American Treasures: Documenting the Nation’s Founding

Trace the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the addition of the first 10 amendments—the Bill of Rights. Learn about important but lesser-known Founding Fathers like James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Featuring original drafts of the U.S. Constitution from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, this exhibit highlights the key proposals and compromises that shaped the document’s final text.

Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation

Want to learn more about the rise and fall of one of the most popular Founding Fathers? In this virtual experience, discover Alexander Hamilton’s role in the debates that shaped our nation through the lens of his fraught relationships with James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Aaron Burr. This exhibit was on display at the Center from March 2018 through December 2019.

Signers’ Hall

Take a virtual walk alongside the signers of the U.S. Constitution. In this signature museum experience, listen as National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen describes the final day of the Constitutional Convention. Meet Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton—and of course, George Washington!

Follow these directions to get the most out of your virtual experience:

• Navigate and explore exhibit sections by using the menu bar on the bottom of the screen.
• Click the yellow camera to navigate to a nearby section in the exhibit.
• Enter the next section or return to the previous section using the red arrows on the sides of the screen.
• Use your mouse to pan around the image or scroll to zoom in and out.
• Hover over a text panel and click to zoom.
• Play the video , and click outside the pop-up window to exit.

Virtual tours made possible by generous support from George S. Blumenthal. Photography by Ardon Bar-Hama.

You can also view some of our favorite current and past exhibits online through Google Arts and Culture . Check out these highlights:

• American Treasures
• Powers of the President
• John Marshall: Patriot, Statesman, Chief Justice
• The 13th Amendment
• The 19th Amendment : Women Fight for Rights (1848-1877)
• The 19th Amendment: Suffragists Change Tactics (1878-1916)  

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