USS Constitution Museum​

The USS Constitution Museum is the educational voice of the USS Constitution. The museum provides hands-on exhibits where groups can have fun and learn as they explore together the history and science behind America’s oldest commissioned warship.

Explore The War of 1812 and the role of USS Constitution, the crew, and its construction. We offer a range of fully facilitated, interdisciplinary K-12 educational programs. All programs are free for Boston Public Schools, thanks to the generous support of Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Site Program Offerings

Ship Design Challenge

Students will work together to discover the science behind the successful elements of a ship. They will conduct group experiments where they will observe what floats, what shapes catch wind, and how weight and balance impact a ship. Students will then put all these elements together to build a tinfoil ship to sail in our water tank. The program will finish with a guided tour of USS Constitution to see all of these elements in action.

Grade 3│10-30 students│2.5 hours

A Sailor’s Life for Me?

Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.

Grade 3 and up | 10-30 people│30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration

Join the Crew

Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a eight year-old Ship’s boy in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today.

Grades 3 and up│10-30 students│2 hours

Meet the Crew Scavenger Hunt

Elevate your self-guided exploration of the galleries with our interactive “Meet the Crew” scavenger hunt. Your group will use the Museum’s galleries to uncover clues about the jobs of some of the youngest 1812 crew members on board USS Constitution. Museum staff will provide instructions and guidance throughout the experience.

Grades 3-5 │ 10-30 people │ 45 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration

Civics at Sea

In this 75-minute program, students will strengthen their civics skills and understanding as they learn what the Navy does and why building communication skills and relationships are important. Students will learn through trading as they try to meet the needs of a fictitious country by building a LEGO ship.

Grades 3 and up│18-30 students│75 minutes

Self-Guided Visit

Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits or shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.

All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended

Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.

Are you a Boston Public School? We have funding for FREE programs and bus transportation scholarships for BPS groups on a first-come, first-served basis from September 2025 – March 2026.

Questions? Contact our Education Coordinator by phone at 617-426-1812 x146 or email groupreservations@usscm.org for assistance.