1-Minute Artifact Video Series
Cat o’ Nine Tails
The cat o’ nine tails was a violent disciplinary tool used in the U.S. Navy through the first half of the 19th century. USSCM Visitor Experience Representative Jim Bennett tells us more in this video.
Portrait of Abigail Chew
We know a lot about the men who served on USS Constitution in the early 19th century, but what about the women who stayed behind? In this video, USSCM Manager of Curatorial Affairs Kate Monea tells us more about Abigail Chew, wife of USS Constitution Purser Thomas Chew.
Isaac Hull’s Urn
This ceremonial silver urn was a gift from the merchants of Philadelphia to Captain Isaac Hull in honor of USS Constitution’s defeat of HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812. Jim Bennett, Visitor Experience Representative at the USS Constitution Museum, tells us more.
1858 Photograph of USS Constitution
This salt paper print of a photograph of USS Constitution laid up at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was taken by Albert Gregory in 1858. USSCM Manager of Curatorial Affairs Kate Monea shares more details in this video.
Diagram of Battle between USS Constitution and HMS Java
This diagram of USS Constitution‘s battle with HMS Java was drawn from memory by Master’s Mate Charles Frederick Waldo in 1813. Gary Foreman, Assistant Manager of Interpretation & Visitor Services at USSCM, ponders the diagram and and poses some questions in this video. Can you answer them?
Timber Merchant’s Guide
The Timber Merchant’s Guide, by Peter Guillet, contains 30 color lithographs drawn by Henry Stone that illustrate varieties of timber and their uses in shipbuilding in the early 19th century. In this video, USSCM Manager of Curatorial Affairs Kate Monea takes a closer look.
Telescope used to observe USS Chesapeake vs HMS Shannon
This otherwise unremarkable telescope was used to observe the battle between USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon off Boston Light on June 1, 1813. Jim Bennett, Visitor Experience Representative at the USS Constitution Museum, recounts the battle and Captain James Lawrence’s famous words “Don’t give up the ship!’ in this video.
Isaac Hull Miniature
This miniature portrait of Isaac Hull, complete with a lock of hair, dates to around c.1810. The memento was not a gift for his future wife, Ann, so who was it for? USSCM Educator Susan Reed solves the mystery in this video.
Lt. Claire Bloom’s Uniform
Lieutenant Commander Claire V. Bloom served as USS Constitution‘s first female executive officer from 1996 to 1998. No women officers existed during the War of 1812, so Bloom’s 1812-style uniform is completely unique. Visitor Experience Representative Hilarie Samei tells us more.
Stool of Grapeshot
Take a behind-the-scenes look inside our vault with USS Constitution Museum Director of Exhibits Robert Kiihne to view a handmade artifact that’s rarely on view.
“War Declared!!” Broadside
Between the lines of this “War Declared!!” broadside from June 22, 1812 is a story about the beginning of the War of 1812. Jim Bennett, Visitor Experience Representative at the USS Constitution Museum, tells us more.
