Thank you for supporting the US Brig Niagara. Your signature lets this state agency and our lawmakers know that many people care, are invested, and are watching. And, that we will use our voices to ensure we have transparency and accountability for Niagara’s well-being.

On December 16th, the same day as this petition went live, two of us volunteers sent a formal letter to 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... requesting a public forum to discuss plans for Niagara. We requested a response by Friday, January 5th. The letter was addressed to Andrea LoweryAndrea Lowery, serves as Executive Director and Chief of the Division of Architecture and Preservation for PHMC., Executive Director of PHMC, and copies were sent to several legislators and PHMC staff. We are hopeful that PHMC will choose to notice the 700 signatures this petition has garnered and respond to our letter formally requesting a public forum. If they do not reply on that timeline, then we will become more vocal in our request, including direct contact with our legislators.

I am not able to attach the full letter within Change.org’s communication platform, but here is an excerpt: (For context, in the latest contract effective Jan 1, 2023, PHMC took over all responsibility for Niagara’s maintenance and upkeep. FNL was to operate the ship, her sail training programs, and provide maritime expertise to PHMC. Keep that in mind as you read below.)

“The actions of PHMC the past several years have many of us wondering such things as why there were no new propellers ordered for Niagara when one fell off this past July, why there was no new winter cover ordered when the old canvas one was deemed unusable in the spring of 2023, and why PHMC allowed the insurance on Niagara to lapse. Additionally, why would PHMC terminate a relationship with a group that has demonstrated the skills and ability to maintain the ship, recruit volunteers, fundraise, and operate an award-winning sail training program that is known around the world? Will U.S. Brig Niagara end up as just a dock attraction under PHMC’s plans?

“To that end we request that PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery, PHMC chairperson Hayley Haldeman, Bureau of Historic Sites and Museum (BHSM) Director Melissa MannMelissa Mann serves as Director of the Bureau of Historic Sites & Museums for PHMC. Starting the role in 2021, she supervises 24 state-owned historic sites and museums along th..., BHSM Acting Western Division Chief Tyler Gumm, and Erie Maritime MuseumThe 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, ... 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... be present at a public forum here in Erie at a mutually convenient time in the month of January to discuss all of these issues in an open and transparent manner. A possible site for the meeting could be the Hirt Auditorium at Blasco Library.”

The letter was sent by certified mail, as well as by email to:

Hayley Haldeman, PHMC chairperson
Melissa Mann, Bureau of Historic Sites and Museum (BHSM) Director
Tyler Gumm, BHSM Acting Western Division Chief
James Hall, Erie Maritime Museum Site Administrator
Caleb Pifer, PHMC Commissioner
Senator Dan Laughlin
Senator Michelle Brooks 
Representative Patrick Harkins 
Representative Ryan Bizzaro 
Representative Robert Merski 
Representative Parke Wentling 
Representative Jake Banta
 
Thank you again for your support of this petition. We hope to see a public forum scheduled soon. We are not asking for any particular outcome regarding the ship, just clarity, transparency, and accountability on the plan for her continued maintenance and operation, and a mechanism to ensure that those promises are kept. 

Thank you for recognizing this truth: together, our voices matter.

Katie Zawrotniak, volunteer and petition creator

 
PS – Thank you also to those who generously donated to promote the petition within the Change.org ecosystem. Your support helped more people learn about the Niagara’s sudden operational concerns. If you wish to demonstrate continued financial support as we move forward, I recommend donating directly to the Flagship Niagara League. They may still have a role with Niagara’s operations and will need support during this time of uncertainty. But just as important, they operate 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... (an 1893 National Historic Landmark – the last Freedonia style fishing schooner) and have partnered with the Bayfront Maritime Center (BMC)The 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... to create a community sailing program to increase local access to the bay and sailing. Regardless of FNL’s role with Niagara and the Erie Maritime Museum moving forward, providing FNL with financial assistance now helps ensure that their other maritime programs can continue to serve our local community during this time of transition and uncertainty. Thank you for helping this petition increase its reach through your promotion donations. You helped spread the word! But if you are looking to continue your financial support, consider helping FNL’s other maritime programs head into the new sailing season with strength and security.