The USS Constitution Museum is the museum that is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of the USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides. This is a privately run museum that you can visit with your New England car rental in the former Charlestown Navy Yard at the end of Boston’s Freedom Trail.

The ship

The USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled ship of the United States Navy. It is the world’s oldest floating commissioned naval vessel - it was one of the six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794. The ship is most famous for its actions in the War of 1812, when it was successful in capturing numerous merchant ships from Britain. Today, the ship is used to provide an understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace. It has a crew of 60 officers and sailors that participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events.

The museum

When you are here with your New England rental car, you can visit the USS Constitution Museum. This museum was incorporated in 1972 to complement the active duty naval vessel. In 1976, the museum opened in its current location across the pier from the USS Constitution. Here, you will find artifacts related to the ship’s history. This has allowed the ship to clear its desk of display cases so visitors can see the ship ready to sail. Some of the exhibits here include one of what a sailor’s life was like onboard a ship in the early 1800s and experience the feeling of life on the ship during the War of 1812. There is also an exhibit about the United State’s participation in the Barbary War. There is also a chronicle of the ship’s first 200 years: how it was build, how it earned fame, and why it is still preserved today.

Plan your visit

When you visit with your car rental New England, you will find the USS Constitution Museum offers an exciting look at life at sea on Old Ironsides. The museum is open April though October from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. From November through March, they are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). There is no set admission fee for individuals and families. Instead, they rely on donations. $4 for adults and $2 for children is suggested. You are also welcome to take a tour of the USS Constitution by the US Navy. Check out the ship’s website for times they are open (which is different from the museum).

Special events

When you are here with your rental car New England, you can try to see the Morning Colors ceremony every Tuesday morning. This includes the firing of the USS Constitution’s Saluting Battery. Then, you can take an extended tour of the ship before enjoying the museum and the store. Attendance is by reservation only and you must arrive by 7:40 a.m. in order to participate in this event.

Area history

When you are here with your New England car rental, you will also want to check out the historic sites of Charlestown. You can also take a tour of the city by trolley, and get your tickets right from the USS Constitution Museum Store. You may also want to consider getting a Go Boston Card for admission to many of the area’s sights to see. Many of them charge admission and this is a great way to save money.

When you are here with your New England car rental, you will find that the USS Constitution Museum will allow you to see a fascinating part of American history.