Flagship Niagara League, founded in 1982, is a locally operated, nonprofit educational associate organization of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The organization is chartered to facilitate citizen participation and operation of the US Brig NIAGARA and its homeport, Erie Maritime Museum. It supported the PHMC in the restoration, sailing and interpretation of the ship, with the assistance from local educators, politicians and representatives from the business community. The organization provides assistance in projects, such as the construction and on-board installation of a functioning battery of carronades, capable of firing actual ammunition similar to that used aboard the ship during the Battle of Lake Erie. It hosts the Internet homepage for the site that serves to broaden the museum s audience, and serves as a recruitment tool for national volunteer crew candidates. Flagship Niagara League promotes and produces museum and league-sponsored events and programs for all ages, and develops educational programs for area schools and community resources. The organization is headquartered in Erie, Pa.