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
Addendum: Fact Check on the PHMC Emails Revealed in “Shipwrecked by Command!”
The blog post “Shipwrecked by Command! How PHMC Cast Away its Volunteers” includes several documents from our Right to Know RequestsA Right to Know (RTK) request is a request for information from a state or local government body in Pennsylvania. You are allowed to request any kind of information, and aside from.... We felt those documents deserved additional context, but including it in the piece focused on volunteers did not feel like the right venue. This companion to Ginny’s post about the volunteer council explains the actions and statements occurring between PHMC, FNL,...
Will Niagara Attend the 250th Anniversary of the US Navy?
The US Navy will host it’s 250th Anniversary in Philadelphia in 2025. Niagara was originally going to be one of the centerpieces of the celebration. However, PHMC is no longer planning on taking her. What happened and can she still attend?
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: 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!