Erie Maritime Museum

150 E Front St #100, Erie, PA 16507, USA

Address:	150 E Front St #100, Erie, PA 16507, USA
Phone:	+1 814-452-2744
Site:	phmc.pa.gov
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 27

D. A. Stichick

Im only giving the Maritime Museum four stars because I feel the name is a bit misleading. All other "Maritime Museums" Ive been too cover a much broader range of the local Maritime history while this one focuses very specifically on the Brig Niagara, the Battle of Lake Erie and to a lesser extent the USS Lawrence/Wolverine. Theres almost no mention of Eries commercial fishing industry, the Coast Guard station, the many yacht clubs, shipbuilding, nearby shipwrecks or the plethora of other rich and storied topics within our local maritime history. That being said, it is a very fun and interactive museum that covers every aspect of the Niagara and its place in naval history that concludes in boarding the rebuilt Niagara, which is an amazing experience that I believe everyone in Erie should have at least once.

Dan Ricords

Home of the Brig Niagara. This is a museum that had free admission and is right on the seafront in downtown Erie, Pa. Its very close to Gannon University and the airport. Basically, you can just go inside and you can either check it out yourself or there is a volunterr sometimes who gives you a tour of he museum and the ship outside. The Ship is a replica of the original 1813 Brig that won control of Lake Erie and ensured dominance of the USA over Great Britain in the Western Theater. It has sails and a diesel motor and is staffed by a profesional crew, it makes good will visits to other cities in the Great lakes Region.

Chad Quinlan

Really enjoyed this museum - one of my favorites. You enter through the gift shop next to the library entrance. They are a Blue Star museum, meaning free entry for active military & family. Staff were all friendly, and guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and educational. An impressive number of displays for the size of the museum, yet not crowded. Ive never learned so much so quickly at any other attraction. Their depth of knowledge is incredible for a museum about just one ship, the U.S. Brig Niagara. Best time of the year to visit is late spring through early fall. Will be back.

Marsha Kairis

Loved the experience! We were there the day they were setting up for summer sailing - installing the bowsprit(sp) - we watched from inside as we were not allowed on the dock. The historian volunteers were very friendly and engaging. Though I dont mind donating to these historical sites, $10.00 per person is a little steep when as the take your money they explain you cant tour the ship today".

Julia Torockio

I was ill at the time; so really didnt enjoy as much as I would have liked to. I.want to try again sometime this year. Preferably this Summer. It was a big deal to me to see the US Brig Niagra our history state ship. Stacy, if not interested in Maritime history then stsy home or go elsewhere. There are a lot other places to go nearby like Cleveland. Julia T.

Colton Pikovsky

Ok so Im in love with a few things one of them being the brig Niagra (I drempt about stealing it once and fueled my obsession even more). The museum is wonderful and educational. But only one thing could make it better, The Niagra being in port. It travels and is only in port at times so I was sad but this museum is still amazing

Forest Platt

Great museum! Great coverage and exhibits on the Battle of Lake Erie. The museum also has extensive exhibits on the USS Wolverine, which was assembled locally. As much as I enjoyed the exhibits it was the volunteer guides that made it a unique experience. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was greatly appreciated.

Aaron Jones

This is a fun place to visit. Not all that much to the museum and kinda overpriced admission but what makes it worth it is the Brig Niagara. Awesome ship to see and tour. Especially if you can get there when they are "putting it back together" in the spring. I am glad that my daughter got to witness that.

M William Helwig

A small museum whose exhibits are fascinating. From recounting the war of 1812 and its causes, to seeing the effect that a cannon ball has on the side of a ship and the ships inhabitants, to seeing the restored Brig Niagara, if it is in port. Whenever, we are in Erie, we visit this wonderful museum.

Janis H.P.

Dont Give Up The Ship We toured this museum, we saw the interesting and well done replicas, we learned about the war of 1812 and much more. This museum is staffed with guides who know and share the history and interesting information...they give of themselves and their knowledge.

Kenneth Noland

Never went inside I just did not want to pay for a museum if the mane attction is missing ...the sailing vessel the Niagara... Which seems to be missing in action almost every time we go there...What kind of maritime Museum doesnt have ships to look at,I ask you .

John V

Awesome history and great exhibits including US Brig Niagara. Wonderful, helpful and knowledgeable staff. HOWEVER, be aware, this is not a true Maritime Museum on Lake Erie history. It is limited to war of 1812 and battle for Lake Erie.

Chris Orlando

Very cool museum, with the U.S.S. Niagra tall ship docked right there. Full size replicas of the sails, masts, and beams inside. Actual canons and artifacts from the war of 1812. Very knowledgeable guides and presentations.

Christine Lorraine

Fabulous journey into the past, lots of eye-opening gear and displays. The Flagship Niagara is absolutely impressive, and the tour is very thought-provoking to learn the details of life below deck where you cant even stand up.

Joseph Garrett

Great museum. Unfortunately the ship was not in port while we were there but the museum had some very interesting artifacts. Give it several hours just for the museum. Ill try to catch the ship next time I travel through.

Chantelle Van Hoff

We came to the Erie Maritime Museum for their Christmas Celebration! It was so great! They had Santa, reindeer, free hot chocolate and sugar cookies from Eatn Park. They also had a storytelling that was phenomenal!

Capt. Gerry Hare

The U.S. Brig Niagara is a two-masted, square-rigged sailing vessel. In 1813, she had a crew of 155 men and boys who manned her sails, 18 carronades and two long guns.

Rob Prindle

Interesting and educational displays on Eries part in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. When the Flagship Niagara is in port it can be toured.

albert anderson

Very interesting and worth the admission. Its attached to one of the best Libraries I have ever set foot in. So nice Im thinking of moving up there.

Laurel Rae

Loved visiting the museum and learning about Eriesinteresting past! It was a nice sized exhibit and didnt take long to see everything!

Kathryn Manno

Great place to visit. Exhibits are full of information and you are able to tour the ship. The staff can answer any questions you have.

Paul Ernst

Great history lesson and great family atmosphere. Good dining locations in the local area, including restaurants that are waterfront.

Upscale Sales

Amazing place to learn about the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. The tour guide could have been more educated, though.

Tim Barr

This was really cool. We got to take a shipboard tour of the recreated tall ship Niagra. The museum was interesting too.