Declaration 250 — Lake Erie Heritage Foundation

The True Story

History Has Been
Waiting 250 Years

Most Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. But history records that the Declaration was formally signed on August 2, 1776 — a fact quietly overlooked for two and a half centuries.

"2026 is the year America gets the full story right. And we're telling it from the shores of Lake Erie."

The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has organized Declaration 250 — a National Signing Ceremony at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on Put-in-Bay, Ohio. This is the official America 250 event honoring August 2nd, with national speakers, live performances, military ceremonies, and a moment the country will not forget.

Reserve Your Spot

250 Years of
Freedom

Full Program

Schedule of Events

Subject to change

4:00 PM

Arrival of Tall Ship Lettie G. Howard at Fox’s Dock

12:00 PM

Opening of Freedom Village

3:00 PM

Meet and Greet with Descendants and Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln

4:00 PM

Bristol County Fifes & Drums (BCFD)

5:00 PM

VIP Welcome & Partners Reception
(Invitation Only) — Lettie Howard Tall Ship

7:00 PM

Bob Gatewood & Calabash

8:00 PM

Asia JP Concert

11:00 AM

Opening of Freedom Village

12:00 PM

Bristol County Fifes & Drums Performance (in Town) — Flyover by the US Air Force Reserve Command 445th Airlift Wing

1:00 PM

US Navy Great Lakes Band Performance

2:00 PM

US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Performance; US Army Continental Color Guard

3:00 PM

Meet and Greet with Descendants and Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln

4:00 PM

Bristol County Fifes & Drums Performance

5:00 PM

US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Performance

7:00 PM

Bob Gatewood & Calabash

8:00 PM

Jefferson Starship Concert

10:00 AM

Opening of Freedom Village

12:00 PM

Bristol County Fifes & Drums Performance

12:30 PM

Arrival of OSU Marching Pep Band

2:00 - 2:15 PM

OSU Marching Pep Band Parade — along Bayview Avenue to Monument

2:20 - 2:45 PM

OSU Marching Band Pep Performance

2:45 PM

Opening Ceremonies at Monument

4:00 PM

US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Performance

5:00 - 5:15 PM

BGSU Marching Band Parade to Niagara Event Center

7:00 PM

Lee Greenwood Concert at Monument

8:00 - 8:20 PM

BGSU Band Parade to Monument

9:30 PM

Rocket 250 Fireworks

If you are part of a reenactment group and are interested in being a part of Declaration 250, please email Sara Elizabeth Siegler at sara.siegler@gmail.com

Reserve Your Place

Be Part of
History

First access to event announcements and speaker additions
Lodging and ferry recommendations before they sell out
Schedule updates and program changes
Exclusive content from the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation

Official America 250 Event

Declaration 250 is a nationally recognized component of the America 250 anniversary celebration.

Stay Informed

Receive updates & mark your calendar

Support the Mission

Help Fund
Declaration 250

The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every dollar goes directly toward making this national ceremony a reality — honoring 250 years of American independence the right way.

$25

Patriot

Help spread the word and support event costs

$100

Founder

Named recognition as a Foundation supporter

$500

Liberty Society

Premium partner recognition and event access

Donate Now

Secure donations processed via PayPal. Lake Erie Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) — donations are tax deductible.

Plan Your Trip

Getting to Put-in-Bay

⚠ Book Early — Island Access is Limited

Put-in-Bay is accessible only by ferry or small aircraft. Lodging on the island books out months in advance for major events. Reserve your ferry, hotel, and golf cart rental as early as possible.

Hotels