Open since 1998, the Erie Maritime Museum celebrates the history of the ship Niagara, which was the flagship of the state of Pennsylvania and is credited with winning the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Today, the museum is the home base for the Flagship Niagara, a replica of the original ship that is considered to be the most authentic 19th-century naval replica.
There are a number of exhibits available at the Erie Maritime Museum that work in conjunction with the Flagship Niagara. These exhibits tell about the history of not only the ship, but also the entire city in conjunction with the Great Lakes. Along with the Flagship Niagara, the museum has an extensive exhibit about the USS Michigan/Wolverine. This was the first iron-hulled ship in the United States Navy, and the exhibit includes an interactive listening booth where guests can hear the ship's bells and bugle calls. There's also a complete record of the people who served on this ship over the nearly 80 years she was in service.
Another popular exhibit is one on lifesaving in this area and the lighthouses that kept the ships safe during nights and storms. The museum's proclaimed "jewel of the exhibit'' is a real lighthouse light, a 4th order fresnel lens that was once used on the northern side of Presque Isle in the Erie Harbor Pierhead Lighthouse. The exhibit also tells the history of the other two lighthouses in Erie, as well as the job of the lighthouse keeper around the turn of the century. In addition to the lighthouse exhibit, visitors can see exhibits on generators, sails used during battle, maritime art, admirals and others important to Lake Erie, and the fishing industry.
The Erie Maritime Museum has a number of programs available for school classes, scouts, and other groups who want to learn more about Erie's maritime industry. Schools can also book speakers from the museum to talk about the Battle of Lake Erie, the USS Michigan/Wolverine, African American sailors in the Erie area, the Coast Guard in Erie, or a number of other topics. There's also a two-day summer course specifically for educators, and guests can call ahead to schedule a guided group tour of the museum.
Before leaving, guests can visit the gift shop to pick up maritime products, as well as memorabilia and souvenirs. The museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. During the winter months (January through March), the museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, though group tours can still be scheduled during these days by calling the Education Department at 814-452-2744, extension 214. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children under the age of 12, and $7 for senior citizens, with discounts for groups. For more information, interested visitors can contact the Erie Maritime Museum by phone at 814-452-2744.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: