Tall Ships Return to Boston Harbor for Sail250

From July 11-16, Boston Harbor will welcome an impressive fleet of Tall Ships as part of Sail250 and Sail Boston. Sail250 is a nationwide maritime celebration connected to America250, the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. To mark the occasion, the State Library of Massachusetts will be displaying materials from its collection related to maritime history, sailing vessels, and Boston’s historic connection to the sea. The arrival of these historic ships offers visitors the chance to experience a connection to America’s maritime past while celebrating Boston’s long and important relationship with the harbor.

Tall Ships are traditionally large sailing vessels known for their towering masts, extensive rigging, and multiple sails. Today Tall Ships often serve as training vessels, museum ships, and goodwill ambassadors. These ships represent centuries of exploration, trade, naval history, and immigration, and they continue to capture the imagination of visitors around the world.

Boston has a particularly strong connection to maritime history. As one of the nation’s oldest ports, the city played a vital role in colonial trade, the American Revolution, and the development of the early United States. Events such as the Boston Tea Party highlighted the importance of Boston Harbor in America’s fight for independence, making the harbor an especially fitting location for Sail250 and the larger America250 celebration.

Tea leaves: being a collection of letters and documents relating to the shipment 

of tea to the American colonies in the year 1773, by the East India Tea Company.

By Francis S. Drake, 1970

Boston is also home to one of the nation’s most famous historic naval vessels: the USS Constitution. Launched in 1797 and still located in Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after its victories during the War of 1812, the ship remains a symbol of early American naval history and the nation’s longstanding maritime traditions.

Old Ironsides: The rise, decline, and resurrection of the USS Constitution

by Thomas C. Gillmer, 1993

Old Ironsides: The story of the USS Constitution

by Thomas P. Horgan, 1963

America250 commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and encourages communities across the country to reflect on the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation’s history. Sail250 brings this history to life through maritime events, educational programming, and visits from Tall Ships from around the world. The celebration emphasizes not only America’s revolutionary beginnings, but also the importance of maritime trade, naval service, and international cooperation throughout American history.

To celebrate the arrival of the Tall Ships, the State Library of Massachusetts has gathered books and resources exploring maritime history, famous sailing vessels, and Boston’s historic connection to the sea. Some titles from our collection include:

• The tall ships: a sailing celebration by Hyla M. Clark, 1976
• Tall ships by Sail Boston 2000, 2000
• Sail Boston 1992 by Jane M. Moss, 1992
• Old Ironsides: The rise, decline, and resurrection of the USS Constitution
• by Thomas C. Gillmer, 1993
• Old Ironsides: The story of the USS Constitution by Thomas P. Horgan, 1963

We invite visitors to stop by the State Library throughout the month of July to explore these materials and learn more about the maritime history that continues to shape Boston and the nation. As the Tall Ships sail into Boston Harbor this summer, they serve as a powerful reminder of the people, ships, and waterways that helped define America’s story.

Jessica Shrey
Reference Librarian