Celebrate Independence Day in the Charlestown Navy Yard!
| Venue: | USS Constitution Museum |
| Hours: | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Holiday |
Visit the USS Constitution Museum and discover the secrets to the Ship’s strength and gain a taste of life aboard “Old Ironsides”! Hands-on, minds-on programs will explain, demonstrate, and encourage visitors to experience 18th century ship construction and the demands of a sailor’s life.
Test your shipbuilding skills, furl a sail, scrub the decks, and get marked with a (temporary) tattoo throughout the weekend and beyond!
Built to Win
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
President George Washington needs you to build one of the country’s 1st naval ships. Design, build, and test your own mini ship’s strength and speed. Are you up for the challenge?
Water Balloon Powder Passing
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
During Gun Drill exercises and in real battles, sailors on board Constitution fetched cartridges of gunpowder from the Magazine and delivered them to the Guns. Create a team and successfully toss “gunpowder cartridges” all the way from the “Magazine” to the “Gun” while making sure not to drop the “cartridges”!
Sailor Temporary Tattoos
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Learn the history of sailors’ tattoos and mark yourself with a temporary tattoo. Tattoos cost between $1 and $2. Proceeds help support the Museum’s educational programs.
Underway Schedule
USS Constitution Underway
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
USS Constitution is scheduled to get underway starting at 10:00 AM. The best views will be from the Charlestown Navy Yard, Fort Independence at Castle Island, and the Boston Harborwalk.
21-Gun Salute
11:30 AM
USS Constitution will conduct a 21-gun salute at approximately 11:30 AM towards Fort Independence on Castle Island. The 21-gun salute will be streamed live from USS Constitution‘s Facebook page.
USS Constitution Reopens
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Explore the oldest ship in the United States Navy. Visitors to “Old Ironsides” are able to ask questions and speak with active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, who are stationed at the Ship to help bring Constitution’s past to life! Photo I.D. required for visitors over 18.
Museum Exhibits
Forest to Frigate
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
After the American Revolution, the young United States needed to protect American interests at sea. But how? Follow the story from the forests in which “Old Ironsides’” timbers grew to the ship being the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Today’s Crew
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Through candid video interviews and vibrant photographs, meet the active duty crew members serving aboard USS Constitution today. Learn from them, in their own words, what it is like being in the United States Navy.
All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Don’t just learn about history – experience it! Scrub the decks, furl a sail, and crawl into a hammock while meeting your fellow crew – both young and old – who lived aboard “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812.
“Old Ironsides” War of 1812 Discovery Center
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What is the War of 1812 anyway? Who was fighting? Where did it happened? Why does it matter? Discover the answers to these common questions through a series of interactive, family-friendly games.
Looking for places to see Boston Fireworks? Check out our handy guide to summer fun for MA fireworks listed by town and MA fireworks listed by date.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/independence-day-2022/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Navy Yards, Charlestown, MA map
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Visiting Charlestown is a great way to spend the day with kids. Check out our recommended itinerary for a daytrip to Charlestown from Boston.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
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