When Walking the Irish Heritage Trail, Visit the USS Constitution and Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard

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The next time you’re exploring the Irish Heritage Trail or Boston's Freedom Trail, be sure to stop by the USS Constitution ship and the USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The USS Constitution is America's oldest commissioned ship,  first launched on October 21, 1797.  It is berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and operated by the US Navy, in partnership with the National Historic Parks of Boston.

Known as Old Ironsides for its durability during battle, the USS Constitution has some important Irish connections, with many of the sailors hailing from Ireland over its history. During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution was commanded by Commodore Charles Stewart, who was awarded a congressional gold medal for his leadership. Commodore Stewart was the grandfather of Ireland’s famous Home Rule leader, Charles Stewart Parnell and poet Fanny Parnell.


Located just across from the USS Constitution ship, the museums offers a wonderful educational experience for students, families and visitors to explore the illustrious history of the ship, the Navy Yard and Boston itself.  The museum provides a thorough explanation of the USS Constitution and how it got its name from George Washington himself. 



Read about Commodore John Barry, a naval hero in the American Revolution, who was commissioned by George Washington to command Brig Lexington, the first ship to fly the American flag and named for the first battle of the war in Lexington, Massachusetts.



And learn about Congressman John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald’s tireless efforts in 1897 to preserve the USS Constitution as an historic treasure in time for its 100th anniversary. Fitzgerald later became mayor of Boston but is best known for being the grandfather of President John F. Kennedy.
 

Also at the museum, are beautiful paintings and renderings of the US Navy and the ship’s illustrious history, and a full-stocked shop with books and gifts to take home.

The USS Constitution Museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and ship hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday.  See details here.

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