2023: Upward Bound Trip – USS Constitution

Our last stop on The Freedom Trail was the USS Constitution. We walked to it which is quite a distance, so you may want to consider taking an Uber – but it is definitely worth visiting.
The USS Constitution Museum, located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, offers visitors a captivating journey into the history of “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The museum provides an engaging and interactive experience for all ages, featuring exhibits that explore the ship’s storied past, from its role in the War of 1812 to its enduring status as a symbol of America’s maritime heritage. Through hands-on displays, visitors can learn about life aboard the ship, the science of sailing, and the bravery of its crew. The museum also includes artifacts, multimedia presentations, and opportunities to try your hand at knot-tying or other sailor skills. It’s a must-visit destination for history buffs, families, and anyone interested in the legacy of the U.S. Navy and its iconic vessel.
Unfortunately, when we arrived at the site, the USS Constitution was in a repair dock, and I had to take a picture of it through a fence, which you can see in the bottom left-hand corner. To provide a better view of the ship, I included a postcard from the museum shop, displayed next to the photo.
This page features a substantial amount of ephemera, as the gift shop had many fascinating items. Among the highlights are a first-day envelope cover with stamps, a pressed penny I made on-site, a historical location date stamp, and a small trinket made from copper that originally came from the ship during one of its renovations. These unique pieces add depth and authenticity to the spread.
The First Day Cover is in its own plastic pocket protector and was attached to the spread with some brads. I used a thick adhesive tab to attach the penny as regular adhesive rarely works to attach these pennies for a long time.
The ship theme for this page was chosen from a Cape Cod paper pack, which I felt perfectly complemented the subject. The ship image itself was sourced from Cricut Access and drawn with a pen using my Cricut Maker. Once again, I included a row of bricks on this spread to signify its connection to the Freedom Trail.
To complete the design, I added a map of the museum on the right-hand page. The map is attached to the outside of the plastic page protector, allowing viewers to open and examine it in detail. This combination of design elements and ephemera brings the story of the USS Constitution to life in this spread.
To watch the construction of this spread please click on the video below:
Categories: 2023, History Museum, Upward Bound Trip 2023