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

The Development of Lake Erie Ports Transit between Canada and the Erie Islands

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The upgraded security in the United States post 911 including on Lake Erie has dramatically changed the ability of boaters to visit either the mainland in Canada or Pelee Island. In addition, well documented conflicts and stopping vessels on the Lake unnecessarily have been widely reported for years. It is virtually impossible to check in on a return trip from Pelee Island or the Canadian Coast. The immigration system is broken and logical minds and a bit of effort suggests it can be fixed.

The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation is focused on improving the ability of both Canadians and United States citizens to visit Pelee Island, the mainland or any of the Islands with ease. A updated system automated with modern technology and cooperation between both sides is needed.

This initiative was kicked off with a meeting Memorial Day Weekend with State Representative Randy Gardner and a group of concerned citizens from both the US and Canada. The discussion highlighted the unbelievable headaches and hassles of crossing the Lake and trying to use the system currently in place. Meetings will be scheduled with both state and federal representatives including Homeland Security as well as our Canadian Government Representatives, to institute an upgraded system that works. We can create both a smooth transit of goods and services as well as individuals between countries.

The only way for goods to enter the United States from Canada in this region is via Detroit or Buffalo. The closest distance between the United States and Canada from Ohio is direct from the Western Basin. One of the goals of the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation is to explore the opportunity of re-energizing the port cities in Northwest Ohio along with the southern Canadian cities to allow goods, services or people to transfer via the lake between the two closest points. One could envision over time significant volume of goods and services employing this route and cutting days or possibly in some instances weeks with a more direct route. At a minimum passengers between the two locations would be a great opportunity for both countries. This would open the southern tier port cities on the Canadian side as well as the Western Basin for easy transit.

The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation is actively engaged in working on these two projects and we will keep you updated with progress.