Lake Erie Heritage Foundation Presents

Declaration
250

A National Signing Ceremony at Perry's Victory Monument — commemorating August 2, 1776, the true signing date of the Declaration of Independence.

Put-in-Bay, Ohio  ·  August 1–2, 2026
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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
Perry's Victory Monument at sunrise
250 Years of
Freedom
Special Guests

Scheduled to Appear

A gathering of national voices to mark this historic occasion.

A
ASIA featuring John Payne
Concert Band
Performing Friday Night
J
Jefferson Starship
Concert Band
Performing Saturday Night
L
Lee Greenwood
Concert Performer
Performing Sunday Night
H
Hugh Hewitt
Master of Ceremonies
 
Full Program

Schedule of Events

Subject to change

4:00 PM
Arrival of Tall Ship Lettie G. Howard
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 featuring John Payne 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
Perry's Victory Monument at sunrise

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

Historic

Attractions
Declaration 250

Soar Through Time, Sail Through History

T
Tall Ship
Sail Away on the Historic Tall Ship
Daily Sailing Tours
Details
F
Ford Tri-Motor
Fly aboard the historic Ford Tri-Motor airplane
Plane Rides All Weekend
Details
Reserve Your Place

Be Part of
History

Sign up to receive updates, early access announcements, and event details for Declaration 250 — August 1–2, 2026.

  • 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.

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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
Rentals & Cottages
Restaurants & Bars
Wineries & Distillery
Amusement
Historical & Educational
Lighthouse
Water Recreation
Marinas & Boating
Explore Nature
Shopping
Ferry Access
Air Transportation
Marinas (For Transportation Purposes)
Other Island Transportation
Golf Cart & Bike Rentals
The Venue

Event Updates & Press
Catch Up on Our Latest News

All members of Congress were personally invited to sign the Declaration of Independence on its 250th anniversary at Put-in-Bay, Ohio.


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Featured On

Watch Co-chair David Zavagno's interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show

Watch Co-chair David Zavagno's interview on Lakeside Today

Featured In

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pui-in-bay gazette

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the shore line

What to Expect

FAQs

Got questions about your visit? We’ve got answers!

Here is everything you need to know before heading to Put-in-Bay for Declaration 250

Do I need tickets to attend?accordion open/close icon

No! No tickets or registrations are required. Declaration 250 is 100% free and open to the public. Just walk in and join the celebration!

Is seating provided?accordion open/close icon

Seating is not provided, so we strongly encourage attendees to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to stay comfortable while enjoying the concerts, history exhibits, and fireworks.

Will there be food vendors on-site?accordion open/close icon

There will be no food vendors located directly on the event grounds. However, dozens of incredible local restaurants and eateries are located in the immediate vicinity just steps away!

Is the event ADA accessible?accordion open/close icon

Yes. A designated ADA-accessible area will be available on-site to ensure all guests can comfortably enjoy the festivities.

Will First Aid be available?accordion open/close icon

Yes. A dedicated First Aid station will be staffed on-site throughout the weekend for any basic medical or emergency needs.

Is there security on site?accordion open/close icon

Yes. On-site security will be present all weekend long to ensure a safe, fun, and family-friendly environment for everyone.

Can I bring my own cooler with alcoholic drinks?accordion open/close icon

No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on national park property. They must be purchased and consumed within designated licensed areas on the island.

What happens if it rains?accordion open/close icon

Declaration 250 is a rain-or-shine event! Any severe weather updates or schedule changes will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram profiles.

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