New Museum
The plans for a transformational new USS Constitution Museum are proceeding, full speed ahead.
Our overarching goal is to build a New Museum as the centerpiece of a new Gateway Visitor Center in the Charlestown Navy Yard. We aspire to open in 2026, during “Revolution 250,” the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. This is a fitting next step for our Museum that first opened its doors 45 years ago during America’s 1976 Bicentennial celebration.
This New Museum will become the hub of maritime heritage and naval service in Massachusetts, a gateway to Boston Harbor, and a place for the students and families who will lead America’s future to engage with our country’s past.
The location of the New Museum, next to the Ship and at the main entrance to the Charlestown Navy Yard, is the key to our future growth. We will be able to provide a proper introduction to “Old Ironsides” with new exhibits and programs as the gateway to America’s Ship of State. At the New Museum, every visitor will build their excitement and understanding of the storied Ship and crew before they set foot on deck. Imagine if each visitor has already furled a sail, swung in a hammock, and scrubbed a deck before visiting the places on Ship where sailors would have done the same in 1812. Think of how much more they will appreciate seeing the Captain’s Cabin if they have already been introduced to the great Captains of the Ship—Preble, Hull, Bainbridge and more. The result: an even more powerful visitor experience in the Navy Yard.
We are actively planning with the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Navy to build a world-class facility on Boston’s Freedom Trail that will:
- Warmly welcome over 500,000 guests each year
- Inspire students of all ages
- Offer visitors even more experiential learning through hands-on activities
- Provide gallery space and infrastructure for exciting rotating exhibits
- Honor the service of sailors past and present
- Foster dialogue about citizenship and civic engagement
- Build community and help bridge the civilian / military divide
- Enable dynamic partnerships with schools, companies, and organizations
- Re-energize the Charlestown Navy Yard visitor experience
- Blaze a new trail for history museums and for NPS Visitor Centers nationwide
Get Involved
We are beginning the quiet phase of a capital campaign to fund the new construction. We seek to raise $30 M over the next five years, with support from foundations, corporations, government grants, and individuals in Boston and across the country.
If you would like to learn more about our effort and become involved in this transformation of the Museum, please contact:
Ed Sevilla
Chief Development Officer
esevilla@usscm.org
(781) 856-3700
Together, we can bring the USS Constitution Museum to even greater levels of inspiration and impact.
Special Thanks To OUr Charlestown Navy Yard Partners
We collaborate closely with our partners to imagine exciting new ways to activate the Navy Yard. For more than 40 years we have worked together to educate, engage, and empower all who visit. Thank you to the U.S. Navy, National Park Service, and Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston; our partnership has never been stronger!
