Reconstructed Revolutionary War ship US Brig Niagara to receive extensive repairs

Erie, Pa. — Pennsylvania's official flagship, the reconstructed US Brig Niagara, is set for a variety of repairs and improvements over the next year. The vessel, a restored, rebuilt, and modernized Revolutionary War ship, now serves as a museum ship and typically sails around the Great Lakes in the summertime.

Unfortunately, due to the work being done on the ship, she will not be sailing this year.

“Niagara has played a vital role in Erie’s history and is an integral part of its identity,” explained the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s (PHMC) Director of Historic Sites & Museums Melissa Mann. “She inspires Pennsylvanians and draws visitors to the Erie region. PHMC’s Erie Maritime Museum staff and professional marine consultants have been working tirelessly to prepare for Niagara’s upcoming shipyard experiences. We are looking forward to making the repairs necessary to return Niagara to sailing on the Great Lakes.”.

PHMC is consulting with previous Niagara captains Walter Rybka and Wesley Heerssen as it develops plans for the ship’s repairs and prepares her to transit. Under the guidance of Heerssen and Erie Maritime Museum Site Administrator Jim Hall, a group of museum volunteers and PHMC staff completed the removal of the ship’s cover in June.

Niagara needs repairs to her structure, planking, and systems. During the 2023 sailing season, a propeller broke off of the ship. One of the first repairs scheduled for US Brig Niagara is replacing both propellers. At the same time, PHMC also anticipates making engine improvements. In addition to consulting the Niagara's previous captains, PHMC has been presenting their plans to the U.S. Coast Guard, which must review and approve all repairs and upgrades.

The Niagara's new propellers must be custom-built, meaning that the first shipyard work can't begin until late August. Initial repair work will be done at a shipyard on the Great Lakes, likely in Cleveland. While at shipyard for those repairs, PHMC will engage a certified professional marine surveyor to conduct a below-the-waterline survey to pinpoint Niagara’s current mechanical and maintenance requirements. The first shipyard phase is expected to take one to two weeks.

The survey will determine what additional work the Niagara requires during her second shipyard phase, which will address structural problems.

The second shipyard work will be undertaken in 2024–25. The exact work completed during this phase will depend on the survey results.

At a minimum, the second phase will include:

Stabilization of the ship’s stem/bow assemblyReplacement of deteriorated hull plankingRemediation of wood deterioration above the waterline, including waterway timbers, gun ports, and other planking and framing.Replacement of decking as needed and recaulking of the entire deckElectrical system upgrades and the installation of new generatorsPlumbing upgradesReplacement and upgrade of pumps

PHMC has assured the public that work will be completed in time for Niagara to sail in Erie as part of the Commonwealth’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration.