Disclaimer–This web site is not connected with the Michigan Maritime Museum, nor does it reflect the opinions, philosophy or the mission of the museum, its personnel, or its Board of Directors. However, there are several projects that are accomplished in collaboration with the Museum. To reach the Michigan Maritime Museum's website, click here. For further information on becoming a member of the ship's company, ship's keeper, or museum docent, please click on "Volunteers" on the navigation bar to the left or click here.

This website is a “Labor of Love” for the ship Friends Good Will, its history, and the effort of its on going volunteer force. The images, videos and narratives contained within, are an acknowledgment to the volunteers of Friends Good Will and their “Labor of Love”.

Hello, my name is Ciro Mazzola. I am a volunteer with the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. I serve both as a docent and as a member of the ship’s company. It is my intention to tell the past and present story of Friends Good Will through pictures, videos, and narratives. The narratives will focus on the stories and events leading up to and during the War of 1812.

Friends Good Will started out as a commercial venture and had the distinction of flying the colors of both the British and American navies at different times during the war. Its place in history was embellished in the words of Commodore Oliver Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie in a message to General Harrison when he stated, “We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two schooners, one brig, one sloop. The sloop was Friends Good Will (aka Little Belt by the British).

Photos may be downloaded for personal use. If photos are to be used in any publications, photo credit is required. If there is an error that you find in my interpretation of the narratives presented, I would be most appreciative of being made aware of it.

Ciro A. Mazzola