Upcoming Events

Declaration 250 – August 1-2, 2026

In partnership with The Perry Group, Lake Eerie Heritage Foundation will help host Declaration 250, a national commemoration marking the true signing date of the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

This once-in-a-generation program will feature speakers, living history, community participation, and a ceremonial signing event at Perry’s Monument.

While July 4, 1776 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, it was on August 2 that the majority of the 56 signers actually affixed their names to the document, risking their lives and livelihoods in defense of liberty. “Declaration 250” aims to restore the historical significance of this day by organizing a ceremonial re-signing of the Declaration at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, one of America’s most symbolic sites of unity and peace. 

The two-day celebration in the village of Put-In-Bay, Ohio, will feature tall ships, living history performances, keynote speakers and community leaders from across the nation. Nationally syndicated radio host, Hugh Hewitt, will be the master of ceremonies, and The Ohio State University Marching Band will perform. 

All members of the United State Congress will be invited to physically sign the ceremonial 250th anniversary Declaration of Independence. The event will culminate with a firework display. Schools, veterans, historical groups and civic organizations are encouraged to participate in this once-in-a-generation event.

See the latest details here.

Past Events

2013 Battle Of Lake Erie Bicentennial Recap

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Bicentennial program launched – October 2009 
Cost 1.3 million dollars
$350,000 promotional campaign
Put-in-Bay: economic impact $3.5 million / donations $62,000.00 / 50,000 visitors
14.5 million dollar regional impact
4500 volunteer hours

Bicentennial Program highlights 
Library of Congress Bicentennial Navy Launch:
Port Clinton, Catawba Island Club, Put-in-Bay, Marblehead Navy Band Concerts
Port Clinton, Catawba Island Club, Put-in-Bay Ohio State Band Concerts 
US Navy Bicentennial Cleveland liaison • Epic Put-in-Bay Fireworks

Battle of Lake Erie Reenactment Events Put-in-Bay, Labor Day Weekend ~ 
Day Sails on Tall Ships • Reenactment Village

Fireworks • 2,000 Labor Day Boaters 
Tall Ships Battle Reenactment with Billy Campbell as Commodore O.H. Perry

Named the best event in the history of Lake Erie by Lake Erie Living magazine.