As the Flagship Niagara League (FNL) and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) attempt to reach a formal agreement, a majority of the FNL's board members have resigned.

The former board president confirms with Erie News Now that eight board members have resigned.

As of now, it's unclear exactly why each board member resigned, but the FNL and PHMC recently reached a tentative deal for the FNL to become the associate group for the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara.

However, according to the PHMC, there are still several issues that need to be resolved before the two sides can reach a formal agreement, including the future of the Lettie G. Howard.

The FNL is now looking for another organization to take over the operations and sailing programs of the Lettie G. and the league is set to launch a fundraising campaign to keep the ship in Erie.

Meanwhile, there are five remaining FNL board members.

Flagship Niagara League Executive Director William Sabatini tells Erie News Now that he is scheduled to meet with the board on Thursday, to discuss the changes and fundraising efforts for the Lettie G.

Erie News Now received the following statement from FNL Executive Director William Sabatini: 

The Flagship Niagara League Board met tonight to reorganize following recent resignations. Anyone who serves on a nonprofit Board does so in a volunteer capacity and they give time, commitment, energy and skills but it can be immensely time consuming, The FNL thanks current and past board members for their passion and service. We are looking forward to the coming season and continuing our decades long commitment to providing our community with the opportunity to get out on the water and share that unique experience with people visiting the bayfront.