March 24, 2022

USS Constitution Museum Opens Ship Model Show

CHARLESTOWN, MA (March 24, 2022)—The USS Constitution Museum proudly presents the special exhibit, Masters of Miniature: Ship Model Show. The exhibit, open from March 26-April 30 to all visitors during regular Museum hours, showcases over 50 exquisite, handcrafted models of all types created by modelers from the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild. Modelers will be available daily to answer questions and demonstrate the craft of model building. Visitors can vote for their favorite model.

The modelers are from cities and towns across Massachusetts, including: Amesbury, Beverly, Boxborough, Boxford, Burlington, Cambridge, Cotuit, Groton, Medford, Lynnfield, Newburyport, Oxford, Pembroke, Quincy, Rowley, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Wayland, Weymouth, and Yarmouthport. There are also models made by Kittery Point and South Portland, Maine residents.

This year, Masters of Miniature features a model built by 11-year-old Devon Francis of Amesbury. Devon has been building ship models since he was three years old. His interest in ships is very much a family affair. Devon’s father builds model ships and his great-grandfather and two of his great-uncles worked for Saint John Shipbuilding in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

Devon’s model for the show is of RMS Titanic. “I’m really interested in the history of the Titanic,” said Devon. “Looking at how they engineered the ship and how the ‘unsinkable ship’ ended up sinking.” He continued, “It was so sad, but they were able to see the errors in the bulkhead system to avoid those mistakes when building future ships.”

Devon’s interest in model shipbuilding comes as much from the process as the finished product. “You get to watch things take shape as you work,” he said. “You can see the choices the model designers made, and when you’re done, talk about the history of the ship when you show people the model.”

Masters of Miniature is sponsored by the Boston Marine Society.

The Museum is currently open daily from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation.

For more information on model building: www.usscm.org/discover-learn/modeler-resources.

About the USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by offering award-winning exhibits where all ages can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The Museum’s mission is to engage visitors in the story of Constitution to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The Museum is open seven days a week with a pay-what-you-wish admission policy, and the Virtual Museum is open 24/7. For more information, visit usscm.org.