New Acquisitions at the USS Constitution Museum

Who:  Presented by the USS Constitution Museum

What: Exhibit of new acquisition: Four paintings by George Ropes, Jr. from 1813 of battle between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.

When:  May 14 – November 14, 2008. Museum hours: 9am-6 pm April 15 - October 15; 10am - 5 pm October 16 - April 14

Where: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard

Why: These paintings are the Museum’s most important images of the defining moment in Constitution's career.  It was during this battle that the ship’s nickname “Old Ironsides” was coined.  Paintings of this type were akin to photographs or newspaper accounts of the day. George Ropes’ paintings will become the Museum’s signature images of this moment.  After this exhibition they will be rotated on and off display.

How: The George Ropes paintings come from the collection of the Woburn Public Library.  Because the paintings have no local Woburn connection, the Trustees of the Library made the decision to deaccession the paintings to help fund an expansion of the library’s historic structure. The Museum purchased them at auction when they discovered they were available.

Admission: This exhibition and entrance into the museum are free. 

About the USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of "Old Ironsides." Family-friendly, hands-on exhibits share the stories of USS Constitution and those who shaped her history. The Museum, located adjacent to USS Constitution in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, is open seven days a week, hours vary depending on season. There is no charge for admission, but donations are welcome. For more information, please visit http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/