Protect Brig Niagara's Mission
Our goal is to ensure that the Brig Niagara is in the hands of people who can maintain her and operate her safely, successfully, and transparently as an actively sailing vessel in her role as ambassador for the people and history of Pennsylvania.
We do not seek to represent just one voice, but to provide a platform for the community of people who love Niagara and are concerned for her future.
Newest Articles
How to Get Involved
Sign the Petition
Protect Brig Niagara has a petition demanding a public meeting with PHMC leadership and local legislators to ask for PHMC’s plans.
Sign and add your voice, share the petition with friends.
Join the Discussion
Join our Facebook group to see when new articles come in and connect with the Niagara community.
Comment to share your perspective or reach out to us if you have a testimonial about your experience with Niagara to share
Contact Local Officials
Raise your voice to let your local representatives know how much you care about your ship!
As Pennsylvania’s Flagship, Niagara represents an important and living part of our local, regional, and national history so your support matters wherever you are!
Full Archive
PHMC says… Don’t worry! We’ve got Niagara covered!
It’s well into February and PHMC has only managed to install 1/4 of Niagara’s winter cover after dragging their heels to prepare. The community has noticed…
PHMC Gives Up The Ship to… Canada?
Concerns grow over the future of PHMC’s stewardship of Niagara as they outsource her crew to a Canadian company.
Open Letter to PHMC Commissioners and NW PA Legislators:
A concerned volunteer voices concerns to PHMC commissioners and state representatives over reducing Niagara’s ties to the Erie community.
Consequences Begin: Niagara Removed From Tall Ships Erie 2025
PHMC’s delays over Niagara’s care now have very real consequences as PHMC announces that Niagara will not attend Tall Ships Erie 2025.
Talk is Cheap: Why PHMC Has A Trust Problem
PHMC says that we should trust them. Let’s take a look at PHMC’s broken promises to see if they can be trusted.
Testimonial: A Life Transformed
Former Niagara deckhand Hank describes how sailing on Niagara transformed his life and was a catalyst for a career change.
Niagara’s Captain: An Inside Look Into the Hiring Process
PHMC has yet to publicly post the position for Niagara’s Captain, but they claim the search is ongoing. How could this be and how open is it?
Shipwrecked by Command! How PHMC Cast Away its Volunteers
PHMC’s meddling throws Erie’s volunteer ship crew into stormy waters, disrupting a vibrant community built on love for the Brig Niagara. Despite bureaucratic buffeting, they refuse to abandon ship. Smooth sailing? Not with PHMC at the helm.
Niagara – Dockside Attraction No More?
US Brig Niagara is now considered inactive by the US Coast Guard. PHMC claims that is normal and good news, but is that true?
Testimonial: We Are Niagara
Seventeen-year-old deckhand Frankie Tracey discovered his passion for tall ships, leading him to the US Brig Niagara.
Despite the ship’s operational cessation, the resilient spirit of the Niagara lives on through its crew & community, and Frankie now thrives aboard the Schooner Lynx, expressing his gratitude for the community and skills the Niagara instilled in him.
Niagara – Sail Trainer No More?
PHMC’s big plans for the U.S. Brig Niagara sound swell, but there’s a tiny snag: they might not even be allowed to set sail! Turns out, navigating maritime regulations requires more than just good intentions. Without a legit 501(c)3, their promises are all at sea. Smooth sailing, eh?
PHMC Reprimanded by Auditor General in 2010: How Little Has Changed (Part 2)
The second installment of this trilogy dives deeper into the missteps and ongoing inefficiencies of the PHMC, following their 2010 reprimand by the Auditor General. Spoiler alert: progress is hard to find.
PHMC Reprimanded by Auditor General in 2010: How Little Has Changed (Part 1)
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General expressed deep concerns over PHMC’s handling of artifacts. If PHMC is lax in their own professional sphere, why should we trust them in maritime affairs? With the operations and maintenance of the U.S. Brig Niagara?
EMM Site Administrator Jim Hall: In His Own Words
An in depth look into a concerning meeting that was held between EMM Site Administrator Jim Hall and a volunteer.