Impact + Recognition
The USS Constitution Museum is an award-winning leader in family engagement and maritime history, presenting a model for how stories of the past can become relevant, relatable, and, most of all, fun for all ages.
The Museum is proud to present a hands-on, minds-on environment where intergenerational groups can have fun while learning and exploring history together. Our exhibits offer an inviting space for place-based learning, inspiring visitors of all ages and abilities to make new memories with “Old Ironsides.” We are a leading destination for engaging field trips and a resource for teachers, both in the classroom and online. From students and families to military members and museum professionals, the Museum shares USS Constitution with our visitors in ways that are enjoyable and lasting.
We believe that exploring history where it really happened has a big impact. That is why we strive to make USS Constitution, and the maritime heritage she represents, open to our community.
Our admission by donation policy ensures all visitors have access to this extraordinary icon of the American experience. Place-based education programs empower students to think critically and creatively both in our galleries and on the decks of Constitution. We offer these programs – and transportation to the Museum – to Boston Public Schools students free of cost so that local young people can explore their hometown history. We salute those who serve with free admission for active-duty and retired military members. By exploring “Old Ironsides”’ history through our programs and exhibits, our visitors discover how ordinary people can come together to achieve extraordinary success.
Recognition
The USS Constitution Museum is recognized as a leader in hands-on, minds-on history and family learning. Through our innovative education programs, interactive exhibits, and groundbreaking research, the Museum presents a model for how stories of the past can become relevant, relatable, and, most of all, fun for all ages.
Charity Navigator
The Museum has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the last 10 years. This rating highlights the Museum’s sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only 6% of the non-profit organizations that Charity Navigator evaluates receive at least seven consecutive 4-star ratings “indicating that the USS Constitution Museum outperforms most other charities in America.”
TripAdvisor
The Museum received an inaugural TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award in 2015 for five years of consistently excellent reviews on the trusted travel website. The Museum currently holds an annual Certificate of Excellence for 2018 and a Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022. As one visiting parent commented in her online review, the Museum is “super interactive and engaging with bits of art, international relations, science and engineering thrown in. I had to drag my kids out after nearly 3 hours of exploring, they were dying to stay longer.”
USA Today
The USS Constitution Museum was a 2021 and 2022 winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in the “Best History Museum” category. In a highly competitive category of top museums from around the United States, online votes determined the winners from a group of 20 initial nominees. The Museum ranked #5 two years in a row.
Boston Parents Paper
The Boston Parents Paper named the Museum its top Family Favorite in the category of Historic Sites & Tours in Greater Boston for 2021. In 2022, the Museum won the “Historic Sites & Tours” and “Museums & Attractions” categories. This readers’ poll recognizes parents’ choice for outstanding family fun in the region.
American Alliance of Museums
The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest mark of distinction in the museum field. Based on AAM’s Core Standards for Museums, this designation affirms the Museum’s commitment to achieving our mission and following best practices in the field.
Partners + Affiliations
Council of American Maritime Museums
The Council of American Maritime Museums connects organizations working towards the preservation and interpretation of North America’s maritime heritage. This network promotes cooperation on research and exhibitions that explore our nation’s history on the water.
Smithsonian Affiliations
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Museum is one of over 200 organizations that collaborate with the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Through artifact loans, traveling exhibits, and distance learning programs, the Museum helps share the network’s rich resources and innovative educational experiences.
