Kelleys Island has never stood on the sidelines of history.
In 1813, the waters surrounding our islands witnessed one of the most important naval victories in American history as Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry secured control of Lake Erie and helped preserve the freedoms first declared in 1776. In 2013, Kelleys Island proudly welcomed the nation during the Bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie, hosting a tall ship and participating in a spectacular celebration remembered by thousands.
Now America is returning to Lake Erie. On August 1 and 2, 2026, residents of Kelleys Island are invited to join thousands of Americans at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay for Declaration 250—one of Ohio’s largest celebrations of America’s 250th Anniversary and the largest public commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in our region.
Most Americans associate America’s birth with July 4, 1776. While July 4 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the actual signing of the Declaration began on August 2, 1776, when members of the Continental Congress stepped forward and personally pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the cause of liberty.
July 4 announced America’s independence to the world. August 2 was the day America’s founders committed themselves to it. Declaration 250 commemorates that historic moment exactly 250 years later, giving Americans the opportunity to gather at Perry’s Victory and symbolically sign on to the same enduring principles of freedom, self-government, opportunity, and personal responsibility that created and sustained our nation.
The setting could not be more appropriate. Perry’s Victory commemorates the War of 1812, often called America’s Second War of Independence, when the freedoms established in 1776 were defended once again, on the waters of Lake Erie.
A Weekend Unlike Anything Ever Presented on the Islands
- Hugh Hewitt serving as Master of Ceremonies
- Lee Greenwood and his iconic patriotic music
- Two major national concerts
- The United States Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
- The Bristol County Fifes & Drums
- Military Color Guard presentations
- Participation by The Ohio State University Marching Band
- Participation by the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band
- Freedom Village featuring living-history exhibits and reenactors
- Distinguished guests from across Ohio and the nation
- One of the largest fireworks displays ever presented on Lake Erie
Most importantly, thousands of Americans will gather for a National Signing Ceremony honoring the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This is not simply a Put-in-Bay event. It is a Lake Erie Islands event. It belongs to every resident who understands the importance of preserving our history, honoring those who came before us, and inspiring those who will follow.
America’s 250th Anniversary comes only once. Bring your family. Bring your children and grandchildren. Bring your American flags. Join your friends and neighbors from throughout the islands and become part of a historic celebration that future generations will remember.
For complete event schedules, concert announcements, ferry information, special guests, lodging recommendations, and continuing updates, visit LakeErieHeritage.org. Event schedules are continuously updated as additional performers, activities, ceremonies, and attractions are confirmed.
August 1–2, 2026 • Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial • Put-in-Bay, Ohio
