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

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1 A Guide to Hosting Functions and Special Events at the USS Constitution Museum Located in the Historic Charlestown Navy Yard Boston National Historical Park

2 ABOUT OLD IRONSIDES AND THE MUSEUM The U.S. Frigate Constitution -- "Old Ironsides" -- is the pride of Boston and the Nation. Built in Boston, Constitution is our Nation s Ship of State and the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. Authorized by President George Washington and launched in 1797, she is undefeated in battle having served throughout the Quasi War with France, the Barbary War, and the War of 1812 against Great Britain. She earned her nickname Old Ironsides in her first major battle of the War of 1812 against HMS Guerriere on August 19, 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 217-year history and help give insight to the lives of the many people 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 1813 Gilbert Stuart portrait of Captain William Bainbridge. The Old Ironsides 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: $ 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)* Program/Ceremony (in Harry Figgie Room) Reception (Patio)** Seated meal (on Patio)** 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.

3 EVENING EVENTS Rental Fees for evening events are as follows: Up to 100 guests $ 1,750.00* Above 100 guests $ per additional guests Additional time $ 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)* Reception (evening only) Program/Ceremony (in Harry Figgie Room) Reception (Patio)** Seated meal (on Patio)** Meeting (school room style in Harry Figgie Room) Reception (Discovery Center) up to 150 guests up to 50 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 April 1 October 31 November 1 March 31 Earliest Start Time 7pm 6pm Become a Corporate Member and reduce the rental fee! Rates quoted above are subject to change. 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.

4 ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Museum Store: $20 per hour, min. of 2 hours The largest gift shop along the Freedom Trail 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) 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

5 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.

6 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 (Pre-approved cater list subject to change): Boston Café & Catering 325 New Boston Street, Unit 15 Woburn, MA / Contact: David Briggs dbriggs@bostoncafeandcatering.com Capers Catering/Flip Flop BBQs 21 Emerson Street Stoneham, MA / Contact: Emma Roberts eroberts@caperscatering.com The Catered Affair Post Office Box 432 Hingham, MA / Contact: Andrew Marconi amarconi@thecateredaffair.com Cuisine Chez Vous 11 Miller Street Somerville, MA / Contact: Fiona Casey fcasey@cuisinechezvous.com East Meets West 212 Old Colony Avenue South Boston, MA / Contact: Brian Rice Brice@emwcatering.com Gourmet Caterers 3867 Washington Street Roslindale, MA / Contact: Robert Wiggins catering@gourmetcaterers.com Jules Catering 66 South Street Somerville, MA / Contact: Kim A. Gericke kgericke@julescatering.com Off the Vine Catering/Spitfires BBQ 163 Morse Street Norwood, MA / Contact: Holly James holly@offthevinecatering.com The Plated Gourmet 35 Washington Street Norwell, MA / Contact: Allison J DeLorenzo/John Moore contact@theplatedgourmet.com Timothy S. Hopkins Catering 8 Scott s Way Essex, MA / Contact: Christiane Hopkins chris@tshcatering.com

7 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 Contact: Brian Walkley Boston 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 For more information, or to book your reservation at the USS Constitution Museum, please contact the USS Constitution Museum s Function Coordinator at functions@ussconstitutionmuseum.org.