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The Marine Guard 1812 is an all-volunteer division of the outreach and education departments of the USS Constitution Museum Foundation. The unit makes its home and headquarters at the USS Constitution Museum, Boston, Massachusetts. The primary period of interpretation of the unit in its association with USS Constitution is 1811 to 1817. All clothing and equipment for the current Mission period is constantly being researched and is as historically accurate as can be verified. Our uniform design follows original descriptions and patterns, which can be documented by the United States Marine Corps Historical Center in Washington D.C. When possible, the actual items that were used by marines have been copied. While on encampments, parades and performing in public the detachment lives and works in a style and manner as close as possible to that of our 19th Century counterparts. The Marine Guard 1812 is primarily a ship board unit. However, we participate in battle reenactments and other historical recreations. The unit maintains a Marine musket section, which performs and demonstrates marching, military drill and battle formations using the 1794 American Military Drill Manual. The detachment artillery section has a 24 pd. Coehorn Mortar, a wheeled king Howitzer and a three-pounder. Marines on board ships and land details used these two types of artillery. The artillery section performs public educational demonstrations and takes part in historical reenactments. The music section represents the original music assigned to Unit States ships of war. A ship could not put to sea, an artillery or musket unit take to the field without “musics” as part of the company. All sections of the unit also take part in historical crafts, music, drills, marching demonstrations, public education talks, special presentations, parades, encampments, etc. In addition, the entire unit musters for United States Naval Gun Drills on board USS Constitution under the direction of the United States Navy. The Marine Guard 1812 presents educational programs on a set schedule throughout the year as well as special presentations upon request. Membership is open to all people with a sincere interest in history and willing to become part of the only unit of this type in existence today. Persons interested in joining need only to apply. There are no dues, members being required to furnish their own uniforms. The parent organization assists in informing the individual with some items issued as available. Members are required to attend musket and artillery safety classes and pass an instruction class about the history of the USS Constitution. The detachments supply training and necessary educational material. The Marine Guard 1812 maintains close contact with the United States Navy and the United States Park Service in order to constantly upgrade and present programs that reflect positively upon the United States Government. If you are interested in joining the Marine Guard 1812 please download a membership application form Membership Application (this app is in PDF format version 4) If you do not have Acrobat Reader, just click on the button
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