Groups
USS Constitution’s past comes to life through objects, stories, and hands-on experiences with a visit to the USS Constitution Museum! From self-guided exploration in our award-winning exhibits to fun interdisciplinary programs with our talented staff, there is something for every type of group to discover.
We also offer specific programs for school and youth groups. Please visit:
Visiting USS Constitution
USS Constitution (the Ship) is operated by the United States Navy and can be accessed during their operating hours on a first come, first served basis. Please be aware that visitors to the Ship 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.
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. Reservations for self-guided visits are not taken in advance. Group leaders utilizing the group rate can pay at the Museum’s admission desk and a receipt can be provided if needed.
All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended │ Suggested Admission $75-$250
A Sailor’s Life for Me?
Journey back in time and discover the day-to-day life of a USS Constitution sailor during the War of 1812. From joining a mess to manning a gun in battle, explore the good and the bad of being a sailor in the early United States Navy. After the program, enjoy our award-winning All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life for Me exhibit and go deeper into the individual stories of the men that lived and worked aboard “Old Ironsides.”
Adults │ 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $100
Constructing “Old Ironsides”
USS Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, but do you know what gives her that incredible strength? Find out how a unique design, American materials, and hundreds of craftsmen built a national symbol. After the program, enjoy our Forest to Frigate exhibit and view a few of the tools and original material used in building America’s Ship of State.
Adults │ 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $100
Anatomy of Victory Guided Tour
A national icon for more than 200 years, USS Constitution is a successful ship by any standard of definition. Was it all luck? Not quite. Explore the design structure, teamwork, and people involved in “Old Ironsides” success in this 30-minute guided tour that will have your group moving throughout two-floors of galleries, furling a sail, and watching a theatrical retelling of the Ship’s most famous battle.
Adults │ 10-15 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │ $100
Customize Your Experience
Not seeing what you are looking for? Contact our group reservations department at 617-426-1812 x 116 or at groupreservations@usscm.org to customize an experience to meet your group’s needs.
Bus Drop-off & Parking
The Charlestown Navy Yard has a designated turnaround area located on Constitution Road for bus drop-off. Afterwards, The Boston Autoport (100 Terminal Street) in Charlestown is available for short-term motor coach and school bus parking. The cost is $10.00 for school buses and $20.00 for coach buses. The Boston Autoport is a privately owned and operated facility is not affiliated with the USS Constitution Museum.
Group Check-In
On arrival, the group leader should proceed inside to the museum’s admission desk to check-in for the program. During check-in, the group leader will be asked to confirm numbers, process any payment due, and then will be introduced to the educator that will be leading the program. If your group is running late or is unable to make the program’s start time, please call the museum’s admission desk at 617-426-1812 x. 101. If the group arrives late, the museum reserves the right to modify the program or change the reservation to a self-guided visit.
Cancellations
The museum requires cancellations at least two weeks prior to the date of the visit or $25 will be charged to the credit card on file*. If the group fails to contact the museum to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to the visit, the full amount will be charged to the credit card on file. If you choose to reschedule, the program must be booked for a date within two months of the original program date.
*Due to the preparations required, a Customized Experience at the museum must be cancelled or rescheduled at least two weeks prior to the date of the visit or the full cost of the program will be charged to the credit card on file.
Inclement Weather
In the case of inclement weather, call 617-426-1812 to find out if the museum is open. If the museum is closed, an outgoing message will play with an announcement, and we will follow up to reschedule. If the museum is open, we will expect your group as scheduled. If you still choose not to visit, but notify us, a $25 cancellation fee will be charged to the credit card on file. If you do not notify us, all cancellation policies remain in effect.
Lunch
DECCA, a restaurant located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, offers boxed lunches for adult and student groups. DECCA is a privately owned and operated facility and is not affiliated with the USS Constitution Museum.
Please note that the Charlestown Navy Yard does not have any indoor facilities or sheltered outdoor spaces for groups to eat lunch. However, there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy a picnic-style lunch.
Reservation Process and Payment
• To schedule a visit to the museum, please fill out the Reservation Request Form below.
• Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
• Dates in May and June fill quickly, please complete your reservation as early as possible.
• Reservations are not accepted during the week of July 4th.
• Click here to see all of the museum’s Group Policies and Procedures.
Once you submit the Reservation Request Form, a member of our group reservation department will reach out to confirm availability, collect credit card information, and finalize the reservation. A credit card is required to reserve a group program at the USS Constitution Museum. Full payment is due no later than the time of your visit. If the museum has not received payment at that time, the credit card on file will be charged. Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted.
