The Erie Maritime Museum (EMM) is a cultural institution located in Erie, Pennsylvania, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s maritime heritage. Established in 1997, the museum was built to support the operations and historical interpretation of the reconstructed US Brig Niagara, providing a homeport and educational hub for the vessel.
Operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum CommissionThe Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is the state agency that stewards the U.S. Brig Niagara and Erie Maritime Museum. The PHMC is responsible for the collect... (PHMC), the museum is overseen by site administrator James HallJames E. Hall is the Site Administrator for the Erie Maritime Museum and a PHMC staff member. He replaced Walter Rybka in December of 2020. His background includes 13 years with th... who took over from Captain Walter Rybka in 2020. The museum’s exhibits and programming offer visitors insights into Erie’s maritime history, including the region’s significance in naval warfare and commercial shipping.
The museum’s operations were long supported by the nonprofit Flagship Niagara League (FNL), which took over active sailing operations of the Niagara in 2009 following state budget cuts. However, the PHMC abruptly terminated its relationship with the FNL in December of 2023, resuming management of the vessel and its associated programming.
It’s important to note that the Erie Maritime Museum is distinct from the Erie Maritime FoundationThe Erie Maritime Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing engaging, hands-on maritime-themed educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities for the c... (EMF), which operates the Bayfront Maritime Center(BMCThe Bayfront Maritime Center (BMC) is a waterfront facility operated by the Erie Maritime Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The BMC's mission is to provide engaging, hands-on m...). While both organizations contribute to Erie’s maritime heritage, they serve different functions and are operated by different institutions.