Field Trips
Bring USS Constitution’s past to life with a field trip to the USS Constitution Museum!
Calling all students, homeschools, Scouts and youth groups! Our Education Team offers many field trips to engage students in the history of “Old Ironsides.” Several of these programs are co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution. Check program listings for details.
You can also bring USS Constitution into your classroom at anytime with our Educator Resources: lesson plans, activities, Kahoot quizzes, videos, games, primary sources and more.
Are you a tour company looking to book a self-guided student group? Visit the Groups Page to make a reservation.
Are you a Massachusetts school?
Many MA schools receive free field trips and buses! Learn more and book your trip here.
Program Offerings
School programs are available from September through June, Mondays – Fridays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
To request a school program, complete the Reservation Request Form at the bottom of the page. Requests are not needed for self-guided visits.
Elementary School Programs
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.
Grade 3 and up | 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150 │ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Ship Design Challenge
USS Constitution was built for speed and strength, and her unique design and American materials helped make her a national symbol. Learn from this example in our galleries and on board the Ship with a U.S. Navy sailor, then complete a STEM challenge: can you construct and race the fastest and strongest ship using household materials?
Grades 3-5│10-30 students│2.5 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Join the Crew
Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a eight year-old Ship’s boy in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today. This program is co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution.
Grades 3-5│10-30 students│2 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Meet the Crew Scavenger Hunt
Elevate your self-guided exploration of the galleries with our interactive “Meet the Crew” scavenger hunt. Your group will use the Museum’s galleries to uncover clues about the jobs of some of the youngest 1812 crew members on board USS Constitution. Museum staff will provide instructions and guidance throughout the experience.
Grades 3-5 │ 10-30 people │ 45 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Self-Guided Visit
Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits or shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Donation $5-10 per student, $10-15 per adult │ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
Middle School Programs
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.
All Ages |10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150 │ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Ship Design Challenge
USS Constitution was built for speed and strength, and her unique design and American materials helped make her a national symbol. Learn from this example in our galleries and on board the Ship with a U.S. Navy sailor, then complete a STEM challenge: can you construct and race the fastest and strongest ship using household materials?
Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2.5 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Join the Crew
Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a teenage midshipman in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today. This program is co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution.
Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Civics at Sea
In this 75 minute program, students will strengthen their civics skills and understanding as they learn what a Navy does and why building diplomatic relationships with other countries is important. Students will learn through trade and negotiation as they try to meet the needs of a fictitious country by building a LEGO ship.
Grades 6-8│18-30 students│75 minutes│$200│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Active Citizens
What does it mean to serve your community, and your country? Examine the rewards and challenges of active citizenry through the lens of military service then & now. Compare the lives of an 1812 sailor and a current US Navy crewmember through primary sources, a live interview, and hands-on activities on board USS Constitution.
Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2.5 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Self-Guided Visit
Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits or shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Donation $5-10 per student, $10-15 per adult│ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
High School Programs
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.
All Ages |10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150 │ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Join the Crew
Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a teenage midshipman in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today. This program is co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution.
Grades 9-12│10-30 students│2 hours│$300│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Civics at Sea
In this 75 minute program, students will strengthen their civics skills and understanding as they learn what a Navy does and why building diplomatic relationships with other countries is important. Students will learn through trade and negotiation as they try to meet the needs of a fictitious country by building a LEGO ship.
Grades 9-12│18-30 students│75 minutes│$200│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Self-Guided Visit
Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits or shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Donation $5-10 per student, $10-15 per adult │ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
Virtual programs are available Mondays – Fridays from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
To request a virtual program, complete the Reservation Request Form at the bottom of the page.
Join the Crew
Virtually visit USS Constitution in Boston MA, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. In this field trip, you’ll walk the decks of this historic ship with a U.S. Navy sailor and learn about life at sea during the War of 1812 first-hand! From chores, to food, to sails and battle, this interactive field trip will keep your students engaged in games and demos.
Grades K-12 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes │ $200│ Zoom Meeting
Day in the Life of a Ship’s Boy
Experience “Old Ironsides” from the perspective of the youngest 1812 crew member, a ship’s boy! This 360 virtual tour, facilitated by a Museum educator, will have students exploring every corner of the Ship, from the powder magazine in the depths of the hull to the fighting tops, one hundred feet above the top deck. As students navigate the virtual tour platform, pop-up boxes with historical artifacts, videos of today’s U.S. Navy crew, and games bring the spaces to life. An on-demand, self-guided version of this virtual tour will be available soon.
Grades 3-5 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes │ $200│ Zoom Meeting
Day in the Life of a Midshipman
This 360 virtual tour, facilitated by a Museum educator, follows a day in the life of an 1812 midshipman: a teenage officer in training. Students will navigate through every deck of the Ship in this virtual tour, encountering pop-up boxes with historical artifacts, videos of today’s U.S. Navy crew, and games along the way. An on-demand, self-guided version of this virtual tour will be available soon.
Grades 6-12 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes │ $200│ Zoom Meeting
Summer programs are available in July and August, Mondays – Fridays from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
To request a program, complete the Reservation Request Form at the bottom of the page. Requests are not needed for self-guided visits.
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.
Grades 2 and up │ 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Built to Win Challenge
In this one-hour program in the Museum, complete a STEM challenge: build ships out of household materials and race them in a water tank. You’ll learn how USS Constitution was built for speed and strength, and how its unique design and materials helped make it a national symbol.
Grades 3-5│10-30 students│1 hour│$200│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Meet the Crew Scavenger Hunt
Elevate your self-guided exploration of the galleries with our interactive “Meet the Crew” scavenger hunt. Your group will use the Museum’s galleries to uncover clues about the jobs of some of the youngest 1812 crew members on board USS Constitution. Museum staff will provide instructions and guidance throughout the experience.
Grades 2 and up │ 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6
Self-Guided Visit
Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits and shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.
Advance reservations for self-guided group visits are only required for grant-funded groups.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Donation $5-10 per child, $10-15 per adult│ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
Scout Programs are available upon request.
To request a program or kit, complete the Reservation Request Form at the bottom of the page. Requests are not needed for self-guided visits.
We also offer Scout Days twice a year. For information on the next one, click here.
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.
All Ages │ 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $150│ Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Flags + Citizenship Activity Kit
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can now explore the Museum galleries with the self-directed, team-building activities available in this kit designed for scouts. This is a great enhancement to a self-guided visit! We recommend groups bring a troop flag to fly on board USS Constitution during your visit as well. To reserve, email groupreservations@usscm.org.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Free with admission by donation│ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Self-Guided Visit
Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits and shop for something special to take home in the Museum Store. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.
Advance reservations for self-guided group visits are only required for grant-funded groups.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Donation $5-10 per child, $10-15 per adult│ Suggested Chaperone Ratio 1:10
Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS Constitution. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
Request a Reservation
To schedule a trip to the Museum, please fill out the Request Form below. Once you submit the form, our Education Coordinator will reach out to confirm availability and finalize the reservation. Full payment is due at time of confirmation. Please note:
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance for Museum-only programs, and 30 days in advance for Ship programs.
- Programs are available Monday – Friday between 10:00am and 5:00pm EST.
- Programs are best suited for students in Grades 3 and up.
Questions? Contact our Education Coordinator by phone at 617-426-1812 x146 or email groupreservations@usscm.org for assistance.
Click here to see all of the Museum’s Group Policies and Procedures.
