Volunteers with the Flagship Niagara League are getting a better understanding of the future of the U.S. Brig Niagara.

It comes five days after the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) ended its contract with the Flagship Niagara League.

On Friday, members of the PHMC met with volunteers to provide an update on the changes that are occurring with the Niagara.

The PHMC has officially assumed direct management of the Flagship Niagara League.

Last week, reliable sources tell Erie News Now that a majority of the Flagship Niagara League were relieved of their duties.

Volunteers we spoke with say they were told by the PHMC that the old employees can re-apply.

"They'll be hiring a new staff in the sense that currently there isn't a staff," said volunteer Dorothy Krupa. "Some of the same people will be returning, and there may be some new faces too, that come in and take the opportunity to sail on the Brig."

Volunteers we spoke with say they were informed that the Niagara will be docked in 2024, for repairs and maintenance.

"That's what they told us," said Krupa. "He told us the plan will be to take it to shipyard, and there's some quite extensive work. While they have it in shipyard, they've got funding from the Commonwealth to get some repairs."

The ship is also expected to spend more time in Erie.

"They're going to bring is back to Eire and be more available to Erie," said volunteer Jeanne Baker. "It will still go to other areas, but it will be more available here."

The PHMC also plans to create new exhibits and provide upgrades to the Erie Maritime Museum.

"Erie is going to have a classic museum when they get all finished with the ship," said volunteer Bruce Miller. "It's going to be great. It's just things that have needed to be done."
Despite being an agency of the Commonwealth funded by taxpayer dollars, the Erie Maritime Museum refused to let Erie News Now into the meeting, telling us it was private.