Just inland from the vessel, the museum features participatory exhibits that allow visitors to hoist a flag, fire a cannon, and learn more about the ship. The interactive computer displays and naval artifacts appeal to visitors of all ages. The museum's collections include more than 3,000 original items, arranged and interpreted in ways that put them in context.

Also at the navy yard, National Park Service rangers (tel. 617/242-5601) staff an information booth and give free 1-hour guided tours of the base.

To continue on the Freedom Trail: Follow the trail up Constitution Road, crossing Chelsea Street, and continue to the Bunker Hill Monument. A more interesting, slightly longer route runs from Chelsea Street and Rutherford Avenue (back at the bridge) across City Square Park.