The U.S. Brig Niagara is making her way home.
According to the Erie Maritime Museum, the U.S. Brig Niagara cast off her lines at first light Saturday in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, beginning a 2,000-nautical-mile voyage back to Erie after undergoing an extensive restoration and refit.
The Niagara returns looking renewed following months of work designed to preserve the historic vessel and ensure she can continue sailing for years to come. Museum officials thanked the team of shipwrights and craftspeople at Bristol Marine’s Sample’s Shipyard for their efforts in completing the extensive preservation project.
The voyage home is being led by Interim Captain Richard Bailey and his crew, who will navigate the historic ship back to Pennsylvania.
The community will have a chance to celebrate the Niagara’s return on July 2. At noon, the vessel is scheduled to enter Erie Harbor, where it will be welcomed by a 40-boat parade led by the Lettie G. Howard…