Niagara Mission

History

Education

Volunteering

Web Links

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Commonwealth of    Pennsylvania

City of Erie

Who are we?  

    The Flagship Niagara League is a locally operated, 501[c] 3 non-profit educational associate organization of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), chartered to facilitate citizen participation and operation of the US Brig NIAGARA and its homeport, Erie Maritime Museum. The Flagship Niagara League was conceived in the late 1970’s and was incorporated in 1982 by a group of local historians. By cultivating assistance from local educators, politicians, and representatives from the business community, the Flagship Niagara League supported the PHMC in the restoration, sailing, and interpretation of the ship. The Flagship Niagara League has expanded from the original grassroots group to an annual membership of approximately 850.

What we do...

• Providing many of the professional crew who sail the ship in the summer

• Providing thousands of volunteer hours annually in maintaining the ship, interpretation and educational programming, and fund-raising events.

• Assisting in projects such as the construction and on board installation of a functioning battery of carronades, capable of firing actual ammunition similar to that used aboard the ship during the Battle of Lake Erie. These guns were used on land to blast a replica of Perry’s original flagship, the Lawrence, which was later installed as an exhibit in the Museum. The unprecedented "Live Fire" exhibit of the Lawrence recreated the horrific carnage experienced by both ship and men aboard the ships in battle and throughout the Age of Fighting Sail and has gained national recognition within the museum field.

• Operating the "Shipwright Museum Shop" retail outlet and information center

• Hosting the Internet homepage for the site that serves to broaden the Museum’s audience and serves as a recruitment tool for national volunteer crew candidates.

• Promoting and producing museum and league sponsored events and programs for all ages.

• Develops educational programs for area schools and community resources.