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.
The focus of the Bicentennial celebration was to honor the service of the 1813 Sailors and have individuals stand in their place either on land or on the seas so their names as well as service would be noted.
On Memorial Day 2015, at Put-in-Bay, a ceremony took place to unveil the cast bronze and granite, permanent plaque honoring all 557 original sailors, their sponsors and those donors who helped to make this a reality.
