Our Exhibits

The Erie Maritime Museum is housed in PENELEC’s former East Front Street generator station. Remnants of the building’s past remain including an overhead crane and one of five original steam generators which greet visitors to the museum to this day.

Erie’s sheltered harbor made it the ideal place to build Perry’s squadron. Shipbuilding and repair remains a fundamental waterfront industry to this day. Our collections hold a substantial number of tools, focusing on the 19th and early 20th Century - telling the story of one of Erie’s longest standing traditions.

For Oliver Hazard Perry, September 10, 1813 quickly became the most important day of his life. An Erie-built squadron met the enemy at Put-In-Bay, off the shores of Sandusky, Ohio. This exhibit highlights this engagement - from Julian Oliver Davidson’s masterpiece to pieces of the very ships which fought in this pivotal War of 1812 battle.

This exhibit welcomes you to the world of the age of fighting sail. Experience the gun deck, an officer’s cabin, navigational tools, and much more. You will also get up close and personal to an actual mainmast and learn the ropes.

In April of 1988, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declared “the restored United States Brig Niagara” as the official flagship of the Keystone State. Our largest exhibit is a reflection of the longstanding maritime heritage of our region and Commonwealth.

The original Niagara was scuttled in 1820 with the hope of preserving her hull for future use. A century later, on the centennial of the Battle of Lake Erie, she was raised from the bottom of Misery Bay and rebuilt from the bottom, up. Learn about the history of the Niagara Four.

Once hailed as the world’s largest freshwater fishing port, Erie, Pennsylvania has a longstanding fishing industry. Discover Erie’s fishing heritage, the lake’s marine species, fishing tugs, and technology that aided in the shaping of our region’s bustling waterfront.

In 1818, the first of three lighthouses in Erie was constructed. From then on, the US Lifesaving Service maintained a predominant presence on the Lake. On the second floor of the Museum, experience the USLSS, Lighthouses, and the early days of the US Coast Guard.

The United States Navy’s first Iron-Hulled warship was built and found a home in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1843 until 1949, when she was sent for scrap. Fortunately, her prow remains and is on display on the second floor of the Museum.

Explore our virtual exhibits featuring artifacts and archival materials not normally viewable to the public eye!