Most of us can probably remember sitting in history class during our school years. Whether we liked history class or not often boiled down to the teacher. Did the teacher make history come alive? Or, were we stuck reading words on a page until our eyes glazed over? Well, find yourself absorbed in history when you visit this fascinating maritime museum near Pittsburgh. (Fair warning: You’ll have about a two hour drive to the museum from downtown Pittsburgh.)

The Erie Maritime Museum brings the rich maritime history of the Erie area - from the War of 1812 through today - to life for countless visitors each year.

Trip Advisor/mafisc

Of course, the masterpiece of the museum is the U.S. Brig Niagara, a reconstruction of the Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

Trip Advisor/Joseph T.

The original ship had been part of a group of nine that defeated six British vessels in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

Trip Advisor/brdgt

Today, visitors to the Maritime Museum can tour the third replica of the ship when it is docked in Lake Erie.

Trip Advisor/Robby G C

After you’ve toured the U.S. Brig Niagara, head inside the Erie Maritime Museum to explore its permanent exhibits.

Trip Advisor/Robby G C

Inside, you’ll delve even deeper into the area’s maritime history. The Battle of Lake Erie exhibit, for example, features original artifacts as well as artists’ renderings of the original six ships that defeated the British.

Trip Advisor/Louis59

Then, check out the models of historic ships. Stop by the Second Floor Gallery, where you can watch resident artists as they create new models.

Trip Advisor/logonfire

Other permanent exhibits include the General Electric Steam Generator and Lighthouses and Lifesaving in Erie.

Trip Advisor/ctp1513

Plan your visit to the Erie Maritime Museum, open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (November through March).

Trip Advisor/Wayne B. And, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. from April through September. October’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Erie Maritime Museum is located at 150 E. Front St. #100, Erie, PA 16507.

Trip Advisor/Robby G C Click here for the official website of the Erie Maritime Museum. Or, go here for Facebook.

Have you ever been to this maritime museum near Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments! Then, click here to read about 10 Pittsburgh museums that deserve a visit.

Trip Advisor/mafisc

Trip Advisor/Joseph T.

Trip Advisor/brdgt

Trip Advisor/Robby G C

Trip Advisor/Louis59

Trip Advisor/logonfire

Trip Advisor/ctp1513

Trip Advisor/Wayne B.

And, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. from April through September. October’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here for the official website of the Erie Maritime Museum. Or, go here for Facebook.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 150 E. Front St. #100, Erie, PA 16507