USS Constitution in Boston, MAPhoto: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The world's oldest commissioned warship afloat is preparing to return to it's pre-pandemic operations in Boston.
Starting on Tuesday, the USS Constitution will resume offering free summer tours to the public, after halting them in 2019 to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The tours will be given Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- where visitors can explore the three decks of the ship, and listen to presentations on it's history.
During it's 223 years afloat, Old Ironsides played a key role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.
According to the ship's museum, it earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.
READ MORE: Boston City Buildings And Courts Open Their Doors To The Public
The ship retired from active service in 1881 and opened its doors as a museum ship in 1907. It was later designated as America's Ship of State in 2009 -- representing the Early Continental Navy and the U.S. Navy.
The USS Constitution Museum also remains open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- where visitors can hear presentations and view historical exhibits.
To learn more about how to plan a visit to the USS Constitution, you can visit the ship's museum website.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|iHeartmedia App
Written by Rachel Armany