Erie Maritime Museum | Erie

The Erie Maritime Museum is a key cultural institution located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich naval and maritime history of the Great Lakes region, especially around Lake Erie.

Location and Building

The museum is housed in the historic Penelec Front Street Station, a former coal-fired power plant built in 1917 that operated until the 1980s. This industrial building, with its preserved architectural features such as the original smoke stack, provides a unique and atmospheric setting for the museum’s collections and exhibits. The adaptive reuse of this space blends Erie’s industrial past with its maritime heritage.

Historical Significance

The Erie Maritime Museum focuses heavily on the War of 1812 and the naval Battle of Lake Erie, a decisive victory for the United States against British forces. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who commanded the American fleet during this battle, is a central figure in the museum’s narrative. The museum honors his legacy and Erie’s important role as a shipbuilding center and naval base during that time.

Key Exhibits and Collections

U.S. Brig Niagara: The museum’s most famous centerpiece is the U.S. Brig Niagara, a full-scale reconstruction of the original 1813 brig that served as Perry’s relief flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie. The reconstructed Niagara is a functioning tall ship, often docked behind the museum. Visitors can tour the ship during the sailing season, gaining hands-on insights into 19th-century naval technology and life at sea.

Maritime Art: The museum showcases paintings and artistic representations related to Erie’s maritime history. This includes works by local artists like Joseph Plavcan and Roy Ahlgren, as well as historical maritime artist Julian O. Davidson’s painting of the Battle of Lake Erie.

Shipbuilding Tools and Models: The museum features tools used in 19th- and early 20th-century shipbuilding, reflecting Erie’s industrial and maritime heritage. Detailed ship models display vessels that were commonly found in Erie Harbor over the centuries, ranging from wooden sailing ships to modern iron-hulled freighters.

Sailors and Naval History: Exhibits explore the lives and stories of sailors who served aboard Erie’s famous ships, including the USS Michigan/Wolverine, the U.S. Navy’s first iron-hulled warship launched in 1843. Other displays honor prominent admirals from Erie and highlight the evolution of naval technology on the Great Lakes.

Treasures of NOAA’s Ark: This exhibit features historical artifacts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), such as 19th-century maps, scientific instruments, and items related to wartime weather observers, tying in broader maritime science themes.

Educational and Interactive Features

The museum offers interactive displays, educational programming, and guided tours that engage visitors of all ages. School groups frequently visit for hands-on learning about naval history, shipbuilding, and Great Lakes ecology.

Visitor Experience

Inside the museum, visitors can explore a variety of galleries that tell Erie’s maritime story through artifacts, documents, multimedia presentations, and art. The atmosphere is enhanced by the industrial character of the building, providing an authentic connection to the past.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators enabling easy access throughout the galleries. It also provides accommodations for visitors with visual and hearing impairments, including captioned videos and partnerships with visual interpreting services. However, the U.S. Brig Niagara itself is not accessible due to the need to climb steep gangways and ladders.

Hours and Admission

The Erie Maritime Museum is generally open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission fees vary by age group, with discounts for seniors, children, and free entry for active military personnel and children under two.

Summary

The Erie Maritime Museum is an immersive destination that connects visitors with the naval heritage of the Great Lakes through its well-preserved artifacts, the iconic U.S. Brig Niagara, and engaging educational programs. It highlights Erie’s crucial role in American maritime history, especially during the War of 1812, while offering a hands-on experience that appeals to history buffs, families, and maritime enthusiasts alike.