USS Constitution Museum

A fitting New England neighbor for Old Ironsides. Maine's First Ship was built over 20 years in Bath, Maine, by a dedicated crew of volunteers. The original vessel, VIRGINIA, was built at the Popham Colony near the mouth of the Kennebec River and later crossed the Atlantic at least twice.

The distinguishing traditional reddish-brown sail is called a tanbark sail. Historically, cotton or flax sailcloth was treated with tannins derived from tree bark to help protect it from rot, mildew, and weathering. That treatment gave the canvas its distinctive rust-red or reddish-brown color.

It was a privilege to welcome this remarkable vessel to Charlestown Navy Yard. ⚓

The Charlestown Navy Yard was filled with light, color, and creativity this morning as artists from Copley Society of Art captured the magnificent tall ships of Sail Boston.

A beautiful morning for Plein Air 250. 🎨 ⚓