Historic Ships in Baltimore

Given the mission of “Expert Mouser,” a cat named Herman was officially commissioned into the Coast Guard and assigned a very specific duty in 1943: hunting down and controlling the rodent population aboard active vessels.

Herman wasn’t just a guest on board - he was enlisted. Tasked with keeping ships free of rodents that could damage supplies and disrupt life at sea, he earned his place as a working member of the crew through sheer instinct and consistency.

Herman even received an official identification card issued in his hometown of Baltimore, marking him as an official member of the service.

Photo credits Baltimore Sun Media Group

Historic Ships is thrilled to be one of the organizers for this event! Stop by for family-friendly demonstrations, science experiments, and hands-on activities; and take a break from the heat inside the Pavilion!

⚓🔬 FREE Family-Friendly STEM Fun at Sail250® Maryland & Airshow Baltimore presented by Northrop Grumman!

Step inside Living Classrooms' STEM Exploration Zone sponsored by Baltimore Development Corporation and Constellation at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Festival and discover three days of hands-on learning, innovation, maritime history, and interactive experiences for all ages.

🗓️ Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
📍 Pratt St. Pavilion | Baltimore Inner Harbor
⏰ 10AM–5PM daily

Explore exciting exhibits and activities from:
⚓ U.S. Navy & Naval Research organizations
🌊 NOAA & environmental education groups
🚢 Historic Ships & Living History reenactors
🛠️ Maritime trades & STEM organizations
👨‍🔬 Interactive science, engineering & technology demos
🎭 Hands-on activities designed for kids and families

Meet educators, sailors, historians, scientists, and innovators from organizations including the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval History & Heritage Command, NOAA, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Historic Ships in Baltimore, Living Classrooms Foundation, and many more.

PLUS — enjoy Living History programming throughout the waterfront festival areas, featuring reenactors, sailors, cannon crews, ship surgeons, maritime demonstrations, and historic vessels that bring history to life during the celebration.

Our Living History Double Feature returns!

On Saturday, May 30, Ship's Company, Inc. will be on board Constellation, with all-day demonstrations and hands-on activities portraying life on board during the Civil War.

They will be joined on board by Brad Stone, our ship's surgeon. Don't forget to stop by the sick bay to learn about what medical treatment was like on a ship like Constellation!

***May 21 Historic Sips Canceled***

Due to the forecasted weather, we are cancelling this Thursday’s Historic Sips event. While we’re disappointed not to kick off the season with you this week, we’re already looking ahead to sunnier skies and warm evenings on the waterfront.

Join us on June 18 as Historic Sips returns with signature cocktails and a unique chance to step aboard Baltimore history. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you then! 🍹✨

Ticket holders for May’s event will receive an email with information about ticket options.

Thank you for your support, and we’ll see you on deck soon! ⚓

Send a message to learn more

One week until we launch Historic Sips!🍹⚓️

Join us next Thursday, May 21, aboard the historic USS Constellation for Baltimore’s newest summer happy hour series. Grab your tickets before they’re gone: https://tinyurl.com/3vm84kc9

This month’s featured cocktail, the Milano Torino, is inspired by Constellation’s 1860s Mediterranean service and the flavors of that era and region.

Whether you’re planning date night, after-work drinks, or a night out with friends, this is Baltimore like you’ve never experienced it before.

Your ticket includes:
🍹 Curated cocktails
🌅 Waterfront sunset views
💥 Live cannon firing
⚓ Guided ship tours
👋 Mingling with friends, old and new

Tag your happy hour crew and we’ll see you aboard ⚓

Our team took advantage of the beautiful Baltimore weather this morning and held our staff meeting on the rooftop deck of the USS Constellation museum. Sunshine and waterfont breezes, with families and student groups touring all around us - what could be better?

We are excited to launch our Historic Sips happy hour series on Thursday, May 21! Step aboard USS Constellation for cocktails inspired by the eras that shaped Baltimore’s hometown fleet, paired with stories from the ship’s time at sea. Join us to enjoy drinks, storytelling, a cannon firing, and golden hour views on the waterfront 🍹⚓ Tickets at https://historicships.org/activities/historic-sips