Declaration
250

Dear Friends,

There are moments when people come together and create something far greater than an event. Declaration 250 was one of those moments.

On August 2, 2026 - 250 years to the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence - more than 5,000 people came to Put-in-Bay and added their names to the Declaration. They did not merely attend a celebration. They stood together and affirmed that the principles declared in 1776 still matter.

The weather was not in our favor. Plans had to be adjusted, conditions were difficult, and everyone was tested. But whatever inconvenience we experienced was nothing compared with the sacrifice faced by the original signers.

Those 56 men signed a document that could have cost them their lives. They risked their families, their homes, their fortunes and their futures. They did not know whether the new nation would survive. Yet they pledged to one another their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

Two hundred and fifty years later, more than 5,000 Americans stood together on the shores of Lake Erie and signed on again.

That extraordinary moment happened because of you.

To everyone who supported Declaration 250 financially, professionally and personally - thank you.

To the performers, musicians, military bands, university bands, color guards, historical interpreters, reenactors, descendants of the original signers and speakers who gave the celebration its voice and meaning - thank you.

To the volunteers, production crews, stage and sound professionals, transportation providers, security personnel, public-safety teams, vendors, contractors, ferry operators, businesses and individuals who provided services - thank you.

To the Army, Navy, Marines, veterans and active-duty service members who participated with such dignity and professionalism - thank you.

To the sponsors, donors, community organizations and friends who believed that this anniversary deserved national recognition - thank you.

And to the more than 5,000 people who came despite the weather, stood in line and placed their names beside the words of the Founders - thank you for proving that the American spirit remains alive.

Declaration 250 belonged to everyone who made the journey, accepted the challenge and helped bring history to life. Together, we honored the courage of the original signers, celebrated the nation they created and reminded a new generation that freedom survives only when people are willing to stand up and sign on.

The weather may not have cooperated, but the people did. That is what will be remembered.

With deepest gratitude,

David Zavagno

President

Lake Erie Heritage Foundation