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 PHMCThe 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... 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 experience working with the Santa Maria replica from Spain. This experience was my first encounter with the other volunteers and I really appreciated the camaraderie and cooperation of all the volunteers. During the festival itself I worked with the Spanish crew with logistics such as entertaining the attendees waiting to visit the ship and helping the crew with activities in the Erie area for them to enjoy during their free time.

The following winter I became aware of the Niagara Volunteer Sail Training program.  I was able to attend some sessions learning the ins and outs of operating the Brig Niagara.  Here again I was able to connect with the former festival volunteers as well as new attendees.  As a retiree I have been looking for a volunteer opportunity and this has proven very valuable.

Not only have I made “boat friends”, I have learned how to sail a schooner, spending the summer doing so on the Lettie G. HowardThe Lettie G. Howard is a historic schooner currently operated by the Flagship Niagara League(FNL) in Erie and owned by the South Street Seaport Museum(SSSM) in New York City. Buil....  I have sailed in the past but nothing as complex as a tall ship.  My sailing vocabulary is expanding, skills are improving, and I am more physically fit from activities required on the ship.  The crew has been extremely helpful and patient as they share their expertise while training the volunteers to sail a schooner.

Another rewarding experience recently was the BWET program which brought the sailing experience to local students from 3rd-7th grade.  What a great way for the students to learn a little history, get hands-on experience tying ship-related knots and actually sailing on the bay!

Besides working on prepping the ships and sailing, the volunteers offer social activities such as a kayaking group, social gatherings, and group practice projects such as knot tying, etc.

As I continue volunteering this winter on ship prep at the museum, I am anticipating the return of the Tall Ships festival in 2022.  I’m looking forward to seeing all the ships gracing our beautiful Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay and promoting the activities and sites available in the Erie area.

Leslie