Uncover the rich past of Erie and the Great Lakes during your visit to the Erie Maritime Museum. The museum will guide you through the Battle of Lake Erie, the history of the Flagship Niagara and the USS Wolverine and more. When in port, the U. S. Brig Niagara becomes a floating exhibit.
Introductory Film
Start your time at the Erie Maritime Museum with a narrated film that provides a brief overview of the Niagara and her service during the Battle of Lake Erie. Presented throughout the film are static and dynamic exhibits, intrigues and issues that brought about the War of 1812 and the importance of its outcome and aftermath.
Exhibits
The Erie Maritime Museum is brought to life through a wide range of multimedia and interactive exhibits coupled with lively interpretive programs that illustrate the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Erie and the Battle of the Great Lakes
Discover the history of Erie and the Battle of the Great Lakes through exhibits such the former steam-powered electricity generating station and a reconstruction of the mid-ship section of the USS Lawrence, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s first flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie, complete with mast, spars and rigging. The adjoining section of the Lawrence replica, blasted with live ammunition, recreates the horrific carnage inflicted upon ships and men during the Battle of Lake Erie and throughout the age of fighting sail.
USS Michigan/Wolverine
Learn about the USS Michigan/Wolverine, the first iron-hulled ship in the United States Navy. This exhibit includes an interactive listening booth where you can hear the ship’s bells and bugle calls and records of the people who served on the ship throughout her years of service.
U.S. Brig Niagara
Visible from the museum’s bayside picture window when docked in her homeport is the U.S. Brig Niagara. The third construction of the original vessel, U.S. Brig Niagara was launched in Erie in 1988 for the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. Today Niagara sails the Great Lakes as a Sailing School Vessel preserving and interpreting the story of the Battle of Lake Erie and acting as an ambassador in her capacity as the flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Take a guided tour of the U.S. Brig Niagara when in port to explore the history and lore of the Flagship Niagara.
Highlighted in the Lifesaving Lighthouses section of the museum is a 4th order lighthouse Fresnel lens that was once used on the northern side of Presque Isle in the Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse. Information on Erie’s other two lighthouses, as well as information on the job of the lighthouse keeper around the turn of the century can also be found in this exhibit.
Travel Tip
- Stop by the Erie Maritime Museum Gift Shop on your way out. Erie Maritime and U.S. Brig Niagara official merchandise including clothing, books, art and nautical-related items are available to purchase and make for the perfect gift or keepsake.