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

Losing’s Field Book of the War of 1812, Chapter XXV – The Battle of Lake Erie

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In September of 1813, during the War of 1812, Oliver Hazard Perry of the U.S. Navy and his crew of 557 brave patriots prevailed over the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Two hundred years later, we will come together to celebrate Perry’s victory, our nation’s sovereignty and the enduring peace between nations. As caretakers of our freedom, we are called to bear witness to history in our own special way. The torch has been passed to our generation, who enjoys the great bounties of Lake Erie that were secured forever by Perry and those who came before us.The celebration has begun and we are now full sail ahead to the main event…the Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Re-Creation to take place on Labor Day 2013. Tall ships will depart from nine ports and gather at the original battle site approximately 8 miles from Put-in-Bay, OH, where cannon will fire and history will reconfirm the lasting legacy of these heroes.

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