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
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: Niagara Made Me Who I am Today
Niagara’s former Bosun speaks to the impact Niagara had on his life and topics ranging from discovering his career path and finding true love in his now wife.
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?
Testimonial: Niagara Volunteer Leslie
This is one of several testimonials that were written in late 2021 and early 2022 by US Brig Niagara volunteers in support of keeping Niagara sailing. They were sent to local state legislators and PHMC administrators. That's Leslie in the middle of the photo, at the helm of Niagara. I first became involved as a liaison volunteer for the Tall Ships Festival of 2019. It was an amazing...
Petition Update: PHMC Hires Captain for Niagara! (April Fools!)
April Fools! PHMC hasn’t even posted a job description for a Niagara Captain publicly! With no signs of progress, how long do we have to wait?
Will PHMC Press Release Spell Dockside Attraction for Brig Niagara?
PHMC’s missteps threaten the future of U.S. Brig Niagara! With no clear plan or crew, Niagara’s fate hangs in the balance. PHMC’s promises clash with reality: no captain, no crew, and dwindling hopes for sailing. Taxpayer money wasted, volunteers alienated. Niagara’s legacy at risk. Demand transparency now!
Niagara League Board President Gives Up The Ship?
Protect Brig Niagara advocates for transparency and accountability in managing U.S. Brig Niagara. Recent revelations expose concerning ties between FNL’s Board President and PHMC administrators, undermining accountability and risking Niagara’s integrity. With recently discovered emails revealing compromised negotiations, it’s time for scrutiny. Don’t let Niagara’s legacy falter. Demand answers.
Testimonial: US Brig Niagara Volunteering Changed My Life
This is one of several testimonials that were written in late 2021 and early 2022 by US Brig Niagara volunteers in support of keeping Niagara sailing. They were sent to local state legislators and PHMC administrators. October 9, 2021 To Whom It May Concern, The purpose of my letter is to share my experiences with and my gratitude for the volunteer opportunities with the US Brig Niagara. ...
Petition Update: Volunteers Meet with PHMC Commissioner
On Feb 7, 2024, a PHMC commissioner graciously sat down with a handful of volunteers. Here are the questions, answers, and discussions we had. And… here’s an offer from PHMC’s Director of External Affairs that came about as a direct result of that meeting. (You’ll have to read to the end for more on that…) A Niagara supporter reached out to PHMC Commissioner, Cal Pifer. Pifer is local to Erie,...