Under the watchful direction of Isaac Hull, former commanding officer during the War of 1812, USS Constitution entered Dry Dock #1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston in 1833. Hull initiated the recycling of wood into souvenirs by presenting many of his friends with walking sticks made from wood removed during the restoration. Soon additional objects took form including snuff boxes; these were distributed to notable persons all over the country. The tradition of making souvenirs from wood and copper removed from USS Constitution continues today.

USS Constitution went into Dry Dock #1 in 1927 for her most comprehensive restoration to date. However, in order to finance the massive work, which was first estimated at over $400,000, Congress authorized a nation-wide fund raising effort beginning in 1925. They targeted school children, asking them to donate their pennies. Within the first year, the children collected $148,000, and the restoration plans began. The young motion picture industry aided the campaign with Paramount Pictures releasing the silent movie "Old Ironsides." Another part of the effort included noted marine artist Gordon Grant, who created a painting of the ship under full sail. Over one million lithographic copies were sold to individuals and corporations; the original painting is part of the White House collection. Wood and copper removed from the ship were again made into souvenirs; ashtrays, bookends, and inkstands were some of the more popular items bought and sold to help finance the restoration.

As the Great Depression hit the United States in 1929 fund raising became more difficult. With the restoration half completed and little money coming from the campaign, Congress appropriated the remaining monies. USS Constitution floated out of dry dock in March 1930, restored as close to her original configuration as possible. In order to thank the Nation for funding the restoration, USS Constitution embarked on a 3-coast tour (1931–1934), visiting 76 ports and hosting 4.6 million patriotic citizens. List of ports.

USS Constitution still inspires people today. Those who make the trip to Boston and visit "Old Ironsides" often want to take a souvenir home with them. During the 1974 restoration, workers removed more wood and copper from the ship. Although not "original" to the 1797 launch date, those who want a piece of Constitution wood can purchase small pieces from the USS Constitution Museum Store.