Section 705 of the Pennsylvania History Code designates the restored United States Brig Niagara as the official flagship of Pennsylvania, symbolizing the state’s naval and maritime heritage. 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) is tasked with the vessel’s operation and has specific powers and duties outlined in the code. These include cooperating with relevant organizations to commemorate naval events, sailing the Niagara to various ports as Pennsylvania’s official sailing ambassador, and charging fees for maintenance and financial support.
The code underscores the importance of the Niagara as a dynamic representation of Pennsylvania’s history, emphasizing its role beyond mere museum exhibit. The vessel is meant to sail to different ports, serving as a living testament to Pennsylvania’s maritime legacy and engaging with communities beyond Erie. This mission aligns with the vessel’s historical significance and highlights the intention to share Pennsylvania’s heritage with a broader audience.
Following budget cuts in 2009, the operation of the Niagara was entrusted to the Flagship Niagara League (FNL) as an associate group of the commission. FNL operated the vessel on behalf of PHMC, ensuring its continued presence as Pennsylvania’s flagship. However, recent changes in the vessel’s operation have raised concerns about potentially relegating the Niagara solely to museum status, contrary to the spirit of Section 705. It’s argued that the Niagara’s role as an active ambassador for Pennsylvania’s history should be preserved, in line with the code’s mandate, emphasizing the importance of continued support and collaboration to uphold the vessel’s legacy.
Original Text:
705. United States Brig Niagara.
(a) Official flagship of Pennsylvania.–The restored United States Brig Niagara shall be the official flagship of Pennsylvania. It shall be known as the “Flagship of Pennsylvania” and its home port shall be Erie, Pennsylvania.
(b) Powers and duties of the commission.–The commission shall have the power and duty to:
(1) Cooperate with the Department of Military Affairs, the United States Navy and other appropriate organizations in commemorating significant events of our naval and maritime heritage.
(2) Sail the United States Brig Niagara, within the means at its command, to various ports of call and commemorative events as the official sailing ambassador for Pennsylvania.
(3) Charge whatever fees are necessary to maintain the vessel and to encourage private financial support as appropriate in order to support the United States Brig Niagara and its sailing program.
(c) Cooperation by public officials with the commission.–Commonwealth agencies and political subdivisions shall cooperate fully with the commission in support of its naval and maritime history program and, to that end, shall:
(1) Include the commission in any planning efforts for the commemoration of significant events of our naval and maritime history.
(2) Develop plans with the commission which will utilize the United States Brig Niagara as the official flagship of Pennsylvania.