My Happy Family: A Sunday in Boston

Last weekend, we had a Family Day in Boston. It was a lot of fun, and we all learned a lot!

First we visited the Bunker Hill Monument, and got passes to climb to the top.

Eva was the first to the top, after climbing 294 steps. (The rest of us huffed and puffed up shortly thereafter.) We arrived at the top just in time to hear a Boy Scout giving a lecture all about the history of Bunker Hill.

The view from the top of Bunker Hill Monument

One of the bridges in Boston

Another Boston bridge

Our next stop was the U.S.S. Constitution, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard. (Link here and here.)

USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. It was first launched in 1797. Constitution is one of six ships ordered for construction by George Washington to protect America's growing maritime interests. The ships greatest glory came during the war of 1812 when she defeated four British frigates which earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides," because cannon balls glanced off her thick hull. The ship was restored in 1927 with contributions from the nation's school children.

The Charlestown Navy Yard was built on what was once Mouton's or Morton's Point, the landing place of the British army prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was one of the first shipyards built in the United States. During its 174 year history, hundreds of ships were built, repaired and modernized, including the World War II destroyer USS Cassin Young. Today, thirty acres of the Navy Yard are preserved by the National Park Service as part of Boston National Historical Park.
- Source: http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/ussconstitution.asp

Before touring the ship, we went to the Visitor Center, which was actually a small museum, and among other things, the kids learned how to make rope.

Once on board the U.S.S. Constitution, we listened to another talk and learned that there were 60 cannons on the ship. It was immense!

The Constitution Museum was absolutely fantastic, and the kids really got a kick out of all the interactive exhibits. There was one whole room of activities, games, puzzles and even a puppet show stage. I think the highlight was learning what types of wood shipbuilders used to withstand being hit by a cannon. Live oak was the winner, in case you were wondering. Fir? Not so good..