5 patriotic things to do inauguration weekend
It’s a historic event that happens every four years: Inauguration Day. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday in Washington, D.C. If you can’t make the trip to the nation’s capital, but want to do something patriotic this weekend, check out the following activities you can do around Boston.
Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
The Oval Office is about to become President-elect Trump’s. But at this museum, you can step into the Oval Office exhibit and experience what the room looked like when it belonged to the 35th president, plus watch him deliver a report to the nation about civil rights. Get a feel for how JFK answered the press on important issues of the 1960s in the Briefing Room exhibit, view Kennedy family photos, artifacts, and home movies, and learn more about First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and her contributions to the Kennedys’ legacy. (Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum; $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 kids age 13 to 17, children 12 and under are free)
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USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” launched in 1797 and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Though the ship is undergoing restorations in dry dock, you can still go on board. In the on-land museum, you can learn how the ship earned her fame during the War of 1812 and what life was like for the sailors aboard. Ship tours take place every half hour on weekends. (Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for museum, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for ship, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m for museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ship; USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard; all ages; suggested donation of $5 to $10 for adults and $20 to $25 for families)
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Massachusetts State House tour
The White House might be the focus of this weekend, but in Massachusetts, this gold-domed building holds a lot of power. During weekday tours, you can stroll the marble-floored corridors where our elected officials debate issues and set policy, and learn about the building’s history and architecture. You can even observe the Senate and House of Representatives as they convene in their chambers. Can’t make it this Friday? Take a virtual tour instead. (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, Massachusetts State House; free; all ages)
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Battleship Cove
At this home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels, you can walk among and onto the battleship USS Massachusetts, destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., submarine USS Lionfish, and more. Cool factor: Museum exhibits, such as “Women Protecting U.S.,” which highlights the roles of women during war, are right on the vessels. And inside the National PT Boats Veterans’ Museum, check out photos and other Patrol Torpedo boat memorabilia, including the PT boat model used in the 1965 John Wayne film In Harm’s Way. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday; Battleship Cove Museum; $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $11 for children age 4-12, children 3 and under are free)
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Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock marks the shore where the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower landed in 1620 and founded the first New England colony. In honor of this new moment in American history, take a trip this weekend to see the famous boulder. It sits on the shore of Plymouth Harbor in Pilgrim Memorial State Park and draws nearly 1 million visitors each year. (Pilgrim Memorial State Park; all ages; free)
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