Old Ironsides
Social Science/History | Registration opens 8/10/2026 12:00 AM MST (Arizona)
The U.S.S. Constitution (nicknamed "Old Ironsides") was one of the first warships constructed for the U.S. Navy and was launched in 1797. She defeated five British warships during the War of 1812, was retired from active service in 1881, and is currently docked in Boston Harbor as the world's oldest commissioned ship afloat. This course will look at the Constitution's construction, battles, and history to the present day. We will also explore what it was like to be a crew-member of the Constitution in the early 1800's.
Bill Blaker
Bill Blaker is retired after a 45-year career as a research scientist and university professor. He has received teaching awards from Virginia Tech and Furman University. He has taught university courses in general science, biology, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, English composition, statistics, and philosophy. Now, he teaches anything he finds interesting.