Bright (Barbara) Israelson

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Sink or Swim: More than a Ship, a Way of Life

A former Niagara sailor discusses how Niagara saved their life while questioning if PHMC is qualified to care for her long term.

PHMC Illegally Hires Canadians to Sail as Niagara’s Crew

PHMC was caught illegally hiring Canadians to sail as Niagara crew on a recent trip to shipyard raising concerns over PHMC’s actions.

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?

Sink or Swim: More than a Ship, a Way of Life

May 27, 2026 | Articles, Testimonials | 1 Comment

Although this memory is now faded at the edges from much-loved handling, I remember the Tall Ships event that happened in the summer of 2002. I was entranced by the anachronism of these huge wooden boats bobbing gently by the dock. I said, more than once, "I want to...

Bright (Barbara) Israelson

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