Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara

06/19/2026

06/16/2026

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is aware of a photograph showing an unauthorized message being displayed by contract crew members aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara while the ship was in transit.

As a state-owned vessel and the official flagship of the Commonwealth, the Niagara represents all Pennsylvanians and must remain neutral at all times.

PHMC is taking steps to address these actions, which go directly against our core values and should never have happened. We put our values into practice every day in service to the public, and we expect all employees and contractors to uphold those same high standards of professionalism.

PHMC was not aware of this activity prior to the photograph being posted online and brought to PHMC’s attention. Upon learning of the incident, PHMC leadership immediately directed that the social media post be removed. The directive was promptly followed.

PHMC is reviewing this incident internally and is committed to ensuring strict adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes for the flag of the United States. Originally, the flag was composed of thirteen stars and thirteen alternating red and white stripes. When Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, an additional star and stripe were added for each state through the Flag Act of 1794. The flag changed again following the Flag Act of 1818. Instead of adding both stars and stripes for each state as they joined the Union, the flag would represent the states of the Union through the number of stars and have thirteen stripes to represent the original thirteen colonies.

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem Defence of Fort M'Henry which has been adapted into the national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner. Key was inspired to write the poem when he saw the fifteen stars and stripes of the United States flag flying atop of Fort McHenry after heavy British bombardment. Another famous flag from the War of 1812, is the DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP flag from the battle of Lake Erie. First flown on Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s flagship, Lawrence (named after Captain James Lawrence of the USS Chesapeake). The inscription DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP was the final command from Lawrence before he passed away as the USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon engaged in battle. This famous flag represented the American spirit of determination and resilience.

To go along with Flag Day, pictured below are two words spelled out using the U.S. Navy Signal Flags. Let us know your guesses in the comments!

06/08/2026

After a rough couple of days in the Gulf of Maine, and the Bay of Fundy, we arrived safely in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia last night, at around 10:00 pm.
The next few days will involve refueling and some maintenance.
The crew is enjoying a well-deserved morning off in these beautiful surroundings.

06/06/2026

At first light this morning, the U.S. Brig Niagara officially cast off her lines to begin her 2,000-nautical-mile voyage home to Erie!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible team of shipwrights and craftspeople at Bristol Marine's Sample's Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Their talent, dedication, and hard work over this past year have successfully completed a monumental chapter in preserving the Commonwealth's flagship and preparing her to sail for many years to come.

The journey home has officially begun. We will be sharing footage of this morning's departure soon, so stay tuned for those clips along with updates over the coming weeks as Captain Richard Bailey and the crew navigate the transit back to Pennsylvania!

06/05/2026

A selection of U.S. Coast Guard dogs at the Erie Coast Guard Station from early 20th century.

Who's the best doggo at the Erie Maritime Museum? Let us know by commenting down below!

06/04/2026

If you're near to Bushy Run Battlefield, come see one of our fabulous volunteers presenting on the US Brig Niagara!

History Speaks: The USS Niagara with Dave Obringer

Join Bushy Run Battlefield on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:00 PM for another fascinating installment of our History Speaks lecture series.

This month's speaker, Dave Obringer, a longtime volunteer with the Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara, will take guests on a journey through more than a century of Great Lakes maritime history.

The presentation will explore the story of the famed USS Niagara and its connection to the lesser-known but equally fascinating USS Wolverine. Guests will learn why the Wolverine was built in the 1840s, the many roles it served throughout its long career on the Great Lakes, and how changing technology, commerce, and national priorities shaped its service through the early twentieth century.

The program will also examine how the legacy of the Wolverine helped preserve the memory of Commodore Perry’s flagship, the Niagara, and contributed to ongoing efforts to commemorate one of the most important naval victories of the War of 1812. Along the way, attendees will discover stories of naval innovation, Great Lakes transportation, historic preservation, and the people who worked to keep these vessels—and their histories—alive for future generations.

Adding a special hands-on component to the evening, Dave will also bring a selection of artifacts and historical items from the Erie Maritime Museum collection for attendees to view and interact with. This unique opportunity will allow guests to experience pieces of Great Lakes maritime history up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the people, ships, and events that shaped the region.

Whether you are interested in naval history, Great Lakes shipping, military heritage, historic preservation, or simply enjoy discovering lesser-known stories from America's past, this engaging presentation promises to be an informative and memorable evening.

Hosted by Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society, Education Committee

Get Tickets Here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GXN294SQ3MGUY

06/02/2026

Some additional footage from our fine hosts at Bristol Marine's Samples Shipyard of Niagara's relaunch a few weeks ago.

06/02/2026

The major structural preservation and refit work on the U.S. Brig Niagara is officially 100% complete!

Later this week, Captain Richard Bailey and the crew will begin the 2,000-nautical-mile voyage back to Pennsylvania. We look forward to welcoming the flagship back to her berth at the Erie Maritime Museum on July 2nd.

Take a look at the infographic below for the milestone stats and follow along for regular tracking updates as she heads home!⬇️