From Armenia to Falmouth: The Incredible Story of Moses Gulesian

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 4 pm

In December 1905, Boston businessman and Falmouth resident Moses Gulesian made a startling offer to buy USS Constitution from the Navy for $10,000. The Armenian immigrant who had made his fortune in America in the metalworking business was moved to action by the news that the Navy wanted to use Constitution for target practice. His patriotic effort to save the ship by buying it spurred a national petition drive that embarrassed the government into taking action. Come hear the story of how Moses Gulesian made it possible for people to still walk the decks of “Old Ironsides” today.

Carl Herzog is the Public Historian for the USS Constitution Museum, and lives in Falmouth. He holds a PhD in history from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, where he studied colonial maritime smuggling between New England and the Caribbean. Prior to joining the USS Constitution Museum in 2017, Carl taught maritime history, historical navigation and seamanship at the Sea Education Association and a variety of other tall ship programs.

$20 Non-Members/$10 Members, or donation based ticket. Light refreshments served.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Falmouth Historical Society, 55 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, United States