A vessel of great tradition and service, the U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest United States warship still in commission.  Famous for her role in the War of 1812, she had a unique design and construction technique.  She was larger and more heavily armed than a standard frigate and had a 22-inchlive oak hull reinforced by copper.  Enemy ships would watch in dismay as their shots would rebound off the sides.  Indeed, during an engagement with the British ship HMS Guerriere, the Constitution earned the title of  "Old Ironsides."
     Curator Tom is moving beyond the comfort of plastic and die-cast to build an exceptional wooden model of this Naval icon.  This parts-build by Agora Models is crafted from mahogony, oak, and walnut, complimented with laser-etched brass and hand-sewn cotton cloth.