The U.S. Brig Niagara returned to Erie on April 3. It was photographed at the Erie Maritime Museum on April 4. CATHERINE CLOUTIER/
History buffs, unite. The Flagship Niagara needs your help.
According to the Flagship Niagara League’s website, volunteers are essential to keeping the Erie Maritime Museum up and running.
There are five ways to get involved.
Telling the Niagara’s Stories
Docents lead tours of students and adults through the maritime museum and aboard the Flagship Niagara.
Don’t have the history memorized? That’s okay. Training involves shadowing, interpretative workshops and studying reading material from the museum library.
Contact John Scheloske or Janet Amory at 452-2744 ext. 214 for more information.
Embodying History
Take the history one step further by volunteering as a historic interpreter. “The Ship’s Company – U.S. Brig Niagara” uses volunteers to portray the sailors, soldiers and civilians of the War of 1812 period.
In addition to performing at the Erie Maritime Museum, historic interpreters travel to War of 1812 historic sites in the United States and Canada to participate in battle reenactments and living history programs.
Historic interpreters are required to provide their own costumes and encouraged to study the War of 1812 to enhance their character.
To join the historic interpretation unit, call Linda Bolla at 452-2744 ext. 219.
Keeping the Niagara in Shipshape
An 199-year old ship needs constant care. Ship maintenance is completed by a crew of professionals and volunteers.
Maintenance volunteers earn credit for tuition for sailing on the ship during the summer as a trainee.
In addition to working on the ship, maintenance volunteers also attend training sessions on marlinspike, seamanship, rigging and other maritime skills.
Call Julie Wagner at 452-2744 ext. 222 to get involved.
Making Models
Do you have experience in model shipbuilding? Would you like to learn the craft?
Lend your services to the Flagship Niagara League. Model shipbuilding volunteers share their talents with the visitors to the maritime museum.
To get involved, call Julie Wagner at 452-2744 ext. 222.
Introducing Visitors to the Maritime Museum
The museum gift shop is also looking for volunteers.
Volunteers help stock inventory, assist shoppers, sell museum admission tickets and handle customer inquiries in the store. They welcome visitors and provide them with a basic introduction to the Museum and its exhibits.
The hours for this position are flexible, so it’s a great for people with busy schedules.
The Flagship Niagara League emphasizes the many benefits of being a volunteer.
The website says:
Volunteering at our museum gives you the opportunity to learn more about Erie Maritime history, to meet people with similar interests and to serve at a premier educational establishment.
Also, volunteers must join the Flagship Niagara League so they experience perks like discounts on Museum events and in the Museum Gift Shop.
I love these opportunities because they incorporate both volunteering and learning. Giving your time to the Erie Maritime Museum is a great way to play a role in Erie history.
“An 199-year old ship needs constant care.”
True!
But this is the 4th Niagara, an original and 3 more rebuilds. The ship, parked at the Blasco was built about the same year as you. I am surprised at the sheer volume to maintain a relatively new ship.
I have seen the Niagara in NYC in the harbor, I believe July 4, 2000 for theTall Ships gathering there.
It is always camera time when the ship returns here to park at home.
The original, and ALL prior rebuilds lasted far longer than this one. Here is a link to rebuilds and dates:
http://hnsa.org/ships/niagara.htm
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