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.

H
Hugh Hewitt
Master of Ceremonies
L
Lee Greenwood
Concert Performer
J
Joe Manchin
Fmr. U.S. Senator
V
Vivek Ramaswamy
Speaker
M
María Hammack
Speaker
+
More TBA
Announcements Coming
Full Program

Schedule of Events

Subject to change

3:00 PM
Declaration 250 Historical Speakers Presentation
5:00 PM
VIP Welcome & Partners Reception (Invitation Only)
Lettie Howard Tall Ship — Donor, sponsor & partner thank-yous
7:00 PM
Island Concert — Vendor Setup
10:00 AM
Gates & Encampments Open
Living-history tents, signers' exhibits, youth activities, scavenger hunt
11:30 AM
Bristol County Fifes & Drum Corps Performance
1:00 PM
Guard Drill Team Performance
2:00 PM
Patriots Symphonic Band Performance
3:00 PM
Colonial Era Cricket Game
3:30 PM
US Military Band Performance
6:00 PM
Descendants Reception — Lettie Howard Tall Ship (Washington Society)
8:15 PM
Sunset Colors at the Monument — Presentation of colors, moment of reflection
10:00 AM
Military Band Performance
12:00 PM
OSU Marching Band Arrival
2:00 PM
OSU Marching Band Performance
2:45 PM
Opening Declaration Ceremony
Military Flyover · Goodyear Blimp Flyover · Hugh Hewitt (MC) · Vivek Ramaswamy · Sen. Joe Manchin III
5:00 PM
BGSU Marching Band Arrival & Performance
7:30 PM
Lee Greenwood Concert
10:00 PM
Fireworks & Close of Festivities
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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We'll keep you updated as August 2, 2026 approaches. See you at Perry's Monument.

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.

Ferry Access
Recommended Hotels
Golf Cart Rentals
The Venue
Air Access