Events Calendar

Historic Ships in Baltimore offers special speaker programs and living history events throughout the year. Calendar listings are updated and events will be added as they are scheduled. Please check back often for specific dates and programs.

Year-Round Programming

Daily
USS Constellation - Live Daily Cannon Firings

Monday - Thursday 12:00 Noon daily

Friday - Sunday 12:00 Noon & 4:00 PM

USS Constellation - Hands-on activities and demonstrations presented on the

hour by the Ship's Crew. Demonstrations subject to change without notices. See the Plan of the Day on Pier 1 for each day's schedule.

Saturdays & Sundays, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM: "Powder Monkey Tour for Kids" on USS Constellation
The USS Constellation invites youngsters to come on board to learn about the lives of the young boys who served as powder monkeys. In a hands-on tour, young "recruits" will find out how lads from eleven to eighteen lived in Mr. Lincoln's Navy: how they dressed, ate, where they slept and lived, and some of the things they did on and off duty each day.

February Saturdays & Sundays, 2:00 PM: “To Catch a Thief – Constellation Captures a Slave Ship”

Constellation’s proudest service may have occurred during the three years immediately before the Civil War when, as flagship of the navy’s African Squadron, she led this nation’s fight against the trans-Atlantic trafficking of slaves. Today, little is said or written about those times, and even less is known, but they and this ship were important parts of the struggle against slavery that would eventually overwhelm the nation and, ultimately, free a people. Tour and hands-on activities combine to bring into view Constellation’s active career combating the slave trade and her exciting capture of the slave ship Cora from which she rescued 705 captive Africans.

Second Saturday Programming & Signature Events

2010

January 1st: Museum will open at 12:00 Noon.

January 9th, 12:00 PM Noon: “Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Keepers”
Come, join Lighthouse Keeper and historian Paul O'Neil at the Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse on Pier 5. Mr. O'Neil will focus on the lighthouse keepers and lights that aided Chesapeake Bay navigation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

February 13th, 12:00 PM: “Black Sailors in Navy Blue”

In recognition of Black History Month, this presentation focuses on the experiences of men of African descent who served in Mr. Lincoln’s Navy. Join Boatswain’s Mate Juma Smith’s tour through time as he addresses black sailors serving during the American Civil War – their food, pay, living conditions, duties, and some of their experiences.

March 13th, 12:00 PM: “Great Guns”

During the American Civil War, the Union and Confederate navies employed many different types of weapons at sea. Aboard USS Constellation are cannon representing the main types: guns, chambered shell guns, and rifles. With only twenty-two great guns, Constellation’s weaponry represented both the past and future of naval gunnery and could well-provide one of the most lethal environments on earth. Come aboard and join Boatswain’s Mate Paul O’Neil’s tour through the history of mid-19th century naval gunnery and tactics, and see the difference time makes.

April 10th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

April 24th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

Constellation’s own Ship’s Company of volunteer sailors and marines come aboard a provide a unique and fascinating view of service at sea. Presentations and hands-on activities throughout the day punctuate the daily routine and focus on day-to-day shipboard life in Mr. Lincoln’s Navy.

May 8th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

May 22nd, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

May 27th, 2010 3:00PM: USS Constellation Turnaround Cruise

USS Constellation will get underway for her annual Turnaround Cruise on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The ship will be moved from her berth on Pier 1 to Fort McHenry, where honorary salutes will be fired, and return to Pier 1 at approximately 6:00 p.m. For more information visit our Turnaround page.

June 12th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

June 26th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

July 4th, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: 9th Annual Independence Day Deck Party Picnic.
Celebrate our nation's birthday high above the Inner Harbor Crowds. Classic Catering People will be serving backyard favorites along with, local beer, wines and assorted sodas. There will be a band, special tours, cannon firings, giveaways and the best view of the fireworks. Reservations required, additional fee.

July 10th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

July 24th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

August 14th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

August 21st, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Victory Night

Honoring those who served on the Historic Ships, and the descendants, volunteers and members who preserve their legacy.
Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. Former Historic Ships crew members and their descendants are always welcome onboard, particularly for the Museum's annual Crew and Descendant Reunion. Come join descendants and their families and get to know the shipmates of your ancestor!! This delightful event is free to all members, volunteers, former crew and their descendants. Food and drink are provided. Simply RSVP to your invitation (to be sent in the summer) or call 410-539-1797 if you are a descendant who is not yet on the museum's list.

August 28th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

September 11th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

September 15 - 19: 9th Annual Maritime Heritage Conference

Historic Ships in Baltimore is pleased to host the 9th Maritime Heritage Conference. Click here for more information.

September 25th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

October 9th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

October 16th: USS Constellation Cup & Bull Roast (date tentative)
This fun filled day kick off with classic sailboat regatta and is capped off by a fun filled post race Bull Roast. For more information on the USS Constellation Cup, including entry forms, visit www.ussconstellationcup.org. Reservations required, additional fee.

October 30th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM: Ship's Company

November 13th, 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

December 7th, 11:45 AM: Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony

Please join the board & staff of Historic Ships in Baltimore in honoring those who served during WWII with a memorial tribute and commemorative wreath The ceremony will be held onboard USCGC Taney, and is open to the public.

December 11th , 12:00 PM: Second Saturday Series Lecture
Details to be determined.

December 24th & 25th: Museum Closed

Historic Ships in Baltimore will be closed on Thursday, December 24th & Friday, December 25th. The Museum will reopen on Saturday, December 26th. Historic Ships in Baltimore wishes every a safe and happy holiday.

December 31st; 10:00 PM - January 1st: 1 AM: 9th Annual New Years Eve Deck Party.
Ring in the New Year, sip champagne, & watch the Fireworks from the deck of USS Constellation, high above the Inner Harbor crowds. A twilight menu provided by Charles Levine Caterers will be served with local ale, wine, mulled cider and coffee. There will be music, special tours, cannon firings and more. Reservations required, additional fee.