Massachusetts has one of the 5 best history museums in America, according to USA Today readers 

A hands-on Massachusetts museum honoring “Old Ironsides” is among the top five history museums in the U.S., according to USA Today readers.

The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, ranked No. 5 among the publication’s 10 best history museums in America, part of its 2021 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The No. 1 history museum was the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia.

“We are honored and thrilled by this award, especially in the company of so many prestigious history museums,” said Anne Grimes Rand, USS Constitution Museum president and CEO, in a statement. “Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for us, and to our partners who supported our efforts to ‘get out the vote’ and achieve this wonderful distinction. The USS Constitution Museum looks forward to wowing our guests with great hands-on experiences as we share the stories of ‘Old Ironsides’ and her dedicated crew, both past and present.”

Here’s what USA Today wrote about the museum:

The USS Constitution Museum relates the storied 200-year history of the USS Constitution, which was first launched in the late 18th century and is now recognized as the world’s oldest commissioned warship. During her years at sea, the Constitution saw conflict with pirates and even experienced heralded victories during the War of 1812. You can tour the ship itself in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

USA Today

The USS Constitution Museum reopened on April 8 after closing its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. The museum, which has been open on weekends, begins daily hours on Thursday. The USS Constitution, which is owned by the United States Navy and operated separately from the museum, reopened to the public on Friday.

For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.

View the entire list of best history museums.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

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