History buffs coming to the Boston area may have been dismayed to hear about “Old Ironsides”—the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship—going into dry dock for an extensive, two-year restoration of its lower hull. Visitors to its home at Charlestown Navy Yard need not fear, however. The 217-year-old ship—renowned for its undefeated record in battle and its legendary resistance to enemy cannonballs—remains open to the public as it receives a much-needed face lift, its first in nearly two decades. Now visitors have the unique opportunity to witness history not only being made, but re-made.

Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Navy