A Guide to Hosting Functions and Special Events at the USS Constitution Museum

Located in the Historic Charlestown Navy Yard National Historical Park

ABOUT “OLD IRONSIDES” AND THE MUSEUM

The U.S. Frigate Constitution -- "Old Ironsides" -- is the pride of Boston and the Nation. Built and now permanently berthed here, she is the country’s and the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. Authorized by President George Washington and launched and commissioned in 1797 by President John Adams, USS Constitution was the flagship of the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. She remains undefeated after 42 battle engagements.

The USS Constitution Museum is located within the renowned Charlestown Navy Yard, in Boston National Historical Park. The Museum is housed in a three-story granite and brick building designed and built by Alexander Parris in 1832 and renovated for Museum use in the mid 1970s. The exposed brick and timber structure adds to the flavor of the Museum's exhibits. In 1996, the Museum expanded into adjacent historic buildings, creating an interesting configuration of multiple floors and galleries. The Museum's collections and exhibits tell the famous Ship's story over her grand 216-year history and help give insight to the lives of the many persons who built and sailed her. Exhibits at the USS Constitution Museum range from award winning hands on interactives to spectacular art and artifacts, from hammocks you can swing in to the 1807 Gilbert Stuart portrait of Issac Hull. The Old Ironsides War of 1812 Discovery Center was recently opened and is the perfect addition to our function space.

AVAILABILITY

The Museum is available for rent year-round. Rental fees are dependent on the timing of the event. The Museum does not provide tables, chairs or linens. These must by rented by the caterer or client.

DAYTIME EVENTS (Breakfast, Lunch, Meeting)

Rental Fee for daytime events: $500.00 per hour for a minimum of two hours.

Daytime function space can include the use of the following spaces: Seated meal (in Harry Figgie Room)* up to 80 guests Program/Ceremony (in Harry Figgie Room) up to 100 guests Reception (Patio)** up to 80 guests Seated meal (on Patio)** up to 100 guests Meeting (school room style in Harry Figgie Room) up to 50 guests

Onsite parking is not provided during daytime meetings. Parking is available in a garage directly outside the Navy Yard at a reduced rate.

Breakfast events are allowed from 8:00 am – 10:00 am.

Luncheons and non-breakfast meetings are limited to buffet or boxed lunches. EVENING EVENTS

Rental Fees for evening events are as follows: Up to 100 guests $ 1,750.00* Above 100 guests $ 15.00 per additional guests Additional time $ 250.00 per hour beyond 4 hours National Park Service Security Fee $50.00/hour (for each event with over 150 guests) NPS permit fee $50.00

The Museum's capacity is affected by the nature of the event. The following is a guideline of how many individuals can be accommodated.

Function space includes use of the following spaces: Seated meal (in Harry Figgie Room)* up to 80 guests Reception (evening only) up to 150 guests Program/Ceremony (in Harry Figgie Room) up to 100 guests Reception (Patio)** up to 80 guests Seated meal (on Patio)** up to 100 guests Meeting (school room style in Harry Figgie Room) up to 50 guests Reception (Discovery Center) up to 100 guests

* Limited Audio Visual Equipment Available ** Tented Patio available April - October

The Museum only permits dancing in the Harry Figgie Room with a mandatory dance floor rental.

Evening events include limited free, on-site parking (including catering staff and vendors) subject to availability and as determined by the National Park Service. Exact number will be determined at time of contract.

Additional parking is available in a garage directly outside the Navy Yard at a reduced rate.

Evening events may begin one hour after the Museum closes to the public and covers access to all public space within the Museum, for a period of four hours.

Dates Earliest Start Time April 1 – October 31 7pm November 1 – March 31 6pm

Become a Corporate Member and reduce the rental fee! Rates quoted above are effective through March 2015. Non-profit organizations receive a 10% discount off the base rate. Please inquire about Military discounts.

Note: In accordance with its educational mission, the Museum's space allocations are subject to change to satisfy educational needs.

ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Museum Store: $20 per hour, min. of 2 hours The largest gift shop along the offers distinctive gift items and mementos including finely crafted pieces made from copper and wood removed from Old Ironsides. Note: Museum store personnel will gladly assist you in selecting a special commemorative gift to be presented to your guests.

Guided in-depth Gallery Tours: $50 per docent (Trained guides share detailed knowledge of the Museum's exhibits and the ship's history).

1812 Marine Presence $75 per Marine *** (Authentically costumed and outfitted Marine providing a tour of Museum as well as escorts to ship or just to answer questions.) *** Subject to availability

Guided Tour of USS CONSTITUTION Free*** Private tour of the Ship led by US Navy Sailors. Once your event date is confirmed, a request can be submitted to the ship. (Please note: USS CONSTITUTION is a federal vessel, subject to closures based upon security levels. Proper ID is required and all visitors will pass through security. The Ship is not handicap accessible and tides may impede access due to the pitch of the gangway.) *** Subject to availability LIMITATIONS

Corporations and organizations are able to rent the Museum. Individuals are also able to rent the Museum for most social events. All vendors must be adequately insured and pre-approved to service an event.

Cash bars and monetary transactions are not permitted in the Museum at any time.

Due to the historic structure of the Museum and the irreplaceable artifacts it cares for, the following restrictions are enforced without exception:

No candles or open flames of any kind No "clambakes" within the Museum No steam trays No cooking in any space other than the caterers kitchen No ice sculptures No personal photography or videotaping within Museum galleries. Professional photography and videotaping permitted by signed Special Event Agreement only. No more than three hours of alcoholic beverage service. No caterer, other than those listed on the Museum's pre-approved list may service a function hosted at the Museum without prior approval. Note: The Museum permits dancing in its theater with a mandatory dance floor rental only. The Museum must approve of any music that will be played prior to booking. CATERING

A pre-approved caterer must provide all food and beverages. Caterers will provide you with any tables, chairs, linens, tableware, decorations, or equipment you may require. They can also recommend entertainment for your event. All inquiries regarding self-catering options or other should be directed to the Function Coordinator at the number below. Approved caterers follow in alphabetical order (effective through March 2015):

Boston Café & Catering Gourmet Caterers 325 New Boston Street, Unit 15 3867 Washington Street Woburn, MA 01801 , MA 02131 781/938-9300 617/ 522-2820 Contact: David Briggs Contact: Robert Wiggins [email protected] [email protected]

Capers Catering/Flip Flop BBQs Jules Catering 21 Emerson Street 66 South Street Stoneham, MA 02180 Somerville, MA 02143 781/279-5100 617/628-5977 Contact: Emma Roberts Contact: Kim A. Gericke [email protected] [email protected]

The Catered Affair Off the Vine Catering/Spitfires BBQ Post Office Box 432 163 Morse Street Hingham, MA 02043 Norwood, MA 02062 781/982-9333 781/769-8970 Contact: Andrew Marconi Contact: Holly James [email protected] [email protected]

Cuisine Chez Vous The Plated Gourmet 11 Miller Street 35 Washington Street Somerville, MA 02143 Norwell, MA 02061 617/576-3652 781/878-3325 Contact: Fiona Casey Contact: Allison J DeLorenzo/John Moore [email protected] [email protected]

East Meets West Timothy S. Hopkins Catering 212 Old Colony Avenue 8 Scott’s Way , MA 02127 Essex, MA 01929 617/269-2662 978/768-9990 Contact: Brian Rice Contact: Christiane Hopkins [email protected] [email protected]

Preferred Vendor List

Willow Entertainment Agency Booking pianists, jazz trios, bands, DJ's, Steel pan Island groups, Ethnic world music, specialty entertainment such as magicians and Comedians. Please see their web site for more ideas www.willowentertainment.com Contact: Brian Walkley Boston 617-421-9336

Kings of Swing The Kings of Swing is one of Boston's best bands that always receives applause and compliments for its excellent swing, Latin, ballroom and Top 40 music that's perfect for listening and dancing. They're available in sizes from 2-8 professional musicians to match your celebration and budget and they'll customize their performance to your musical requests. Contact: Bob DeFelice 978-468-4686

For more information, or to book your reservation at the USS Constitution Museum, please contact the USS Constitution Museum’s Function Coordinator at [email protected].