Project Support
The following projects are underway or in the planning stages. Your support for these efforts is greatly appreciated.
- USS Constellation Education and Heritage Center Project -
Historic Ships in Baltimore is seeking funding to support the fabrication of the exhibition for the new USS Constellation Education and Heritage Center to be located on Pier 1 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Approximately $300,000 in funding is still needed for exhibition fabrication. To date, this project has received over $4MM in funding from federal, state, City and private sources for building design and construction and exhibition design.
The “ground breaking” for the new Heritage Center is scheduled for October of 2013 with public opening in late May or early June of 2014. The existing building will be demolished and the new one-story structure will be constructed on roughly the same footprint. Designed by New York based W-Architecture, the new building will provide enhanced visitor amenities including handicap access, emergency egress, restroom facilities and a superior exhibition space.
The new exhibits will provide a history from the 1797 building of frigate Constellation through the sloop-of-war Constellation’s roles as flagship of the African prior to the Civil War and as primary training ship for the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Visited prior to boarding Constellation, the exhibition will provide visitors with a greater appreciation of the service and sacrifice of the thousands who served aboard and what of life was like for a sailor at sea upon a wooden warship.
For more information on the project, to provide comments and input, or to learn on how you can support the fundraising effort please contact Christopher Rowsom, Executive Director via email or at crowsom@historicships.org by phone at 410-539-1797 X 402.
- USS Constellation Hull Repair Project - During her 2011 dry-docking, USS Constellation was found to have extensive rot in the laminated hull planking that was installed during the 1996 – 1999 restoration. In order to repair the damaged areas and prevent the rot from spreading to the ship’s historic fabric, Constellation will need to be dry-docked for an extended period of time, currently estimated at six months. The ship is tentatively scheduled for dry docking in the fall of 2014. This project has received a 1:1 matching grant from the National Park Service Save America's Treasures Program in the amount of $173,000. To make a donation to this project please click here. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!
- USS Torsk Deck Restoration and Education Project - Help Historic Ships in Baltimore to preserve the submarine USS Torsk. This project aims to restore the metal substructure and wooden deck of the submarine, provide public access to the Boat’s bridge, and enhance visitor experiences through the creation of new interpretive and educational elements. To make a donation to this project please click here. All contributions are fully tax-deductible, and donors of $500 or more may be eligible for additional tax credits equal to 50% of your donation through the Maryland Community Investment Tax Credit Program. Thank you for your support!
- USCGC Taney Fantail Deck Repair - Historic Ships in Baltimore was recently awarded a $48,000 grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for the restoration and preservation of the fantail deck of USCGC Taney. This area of the ship is in need of critical repairs to maintain her structural integrity and to keep the rain water out of the vessel's interior spaces. The grant requires a 1:1 match so Historic Ships needs to raise an additional $48,000 or run the risk of losing the MHAA funding. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. To make a donation to this project please click here. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!
- African Squadron Traveling Exhibit - This project, focusing on Constellation's role as flagship of the African Squadron has received a 1:1 matching grant from the Maryland Historical Trust in the amount of $50,000.
- USS Constellation Parrott Rifle Project - During the Civil War, USS Constellation had two Parrott Rifles mounted on her spar deck. The Museum has a 20-pounder tube mounted on a truck carriage. Remaining task involve the purchase of a 30-pounder tube and fabricating pivoting slide carriages for both. These guns will be used for live firing demonstrations. Approximate cost: $25,000.
If you would like to learn more about these projects and support our efforts, please contact:
Christopher Rowsom
Executive Director
410.539.1797 ext. 402
crowsom@historicships.org
