Located on Pier 1, the center of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, USS Constellation is open to the public as a museum after a three-year restoration process. Over 200,000 people have visited since the ship's return in July of 1999. The last all sail warship built by the US Navy provides a spectacular view of Baltimore's historic waterfront and illuminating skyline. As the only civil war era vessel afloat, USS Constellation invites guests to step back in time and explore the decks of history. Interactive presentations and demonstrations by the ships crew give further insight into what it was like to sail on board a 19th century naval sailing ship.

 

As you enter the museum lobby, you will be given an Acoustiguide Audio Tour Wand that will interpret many facets of the ship from life on board to the ship's restoration, how the ship works and her colorful history. There are twenty audio stations throughout the ship and museum area.

In the museum lobby you will see on display many artifacts dating from the Civil War period including leg irons for unruly sailors, dental tools, navigation instruments, a navy cutlass and more. There is also an exhibit on Constellation's role in fighting the illegal slave trade off the coast of Africa. A slide show of restoration photos runs on a continuous loop.

On board you will be greeted by a uniformed crewmember as you start your self-guided tour. Besides the audio tour stops there are over 40 panel exhibits depicting more aspects of the ship's history. A 'watch bill' is posted with different 'hands-on' visitor activities planned throughout the day. Activities may include turning the capstan, setting sail, bracing the yards, or participating in a practice gun drill. Special tours such as the Powder Monkey Tour for Kids are scheduled as well.

One of the highlights of the day is firing the ship's new cannon - a 20-pounder Parrott rifle. This cannon is a replica of the actual armament that would have been on board Constellation during the Civil War. Cannon firings occur at least twice per day, weather permitting.


There are three decks open for visitation. The spar deck is the top deck where all the sailing was done and the location of the helm or steering station. The gun deck is where the ship's main battery of replica cannon resides. This is also the location of the Captain's Cabin and the ship's galley. The berth deck is where the rest of the crew lived sleeping in hammocks while the officers had better living quarters in the wardroom. The berth deck was also the location of the sick bay.


From the berth deck you can look down into the hold and see the ship's original frames and ballast. You can also look down into the orlop deck where officers and crew stored their food and supplies.