‘Declaration 250’ event planned at Perry’s Monument on Put-in-Bay in 2026

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — A national event commemorating a lesser-known but pivotal date in American history will take place at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island in August 2026.

The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Perry Group, announced plans for “Declaration 250,” a two-day celebration on Aug. 2, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the date when 56 signers officially put their names to the Declaration of Independence. While July 4 is widely recognized as the day the Declaration was adopted, it was Aug. 2, 1776, when most of the signers formally endorsed the document.

“July 4 declared our independence, but August 2 enacted it,” said David Zavagno, spokesperson for the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation. “This is more than a resigning celebration. It is a reaffirmation of the ideals that forged our nation.”

Perry’s Monument, which honors the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, was chosen as the event site to reflect the ongoing fight to preserve the freedoms first declared in 1776.

Organizers say the celebration will include historical reenactments, keynote speakers and community leaders from across the country. Hugh Hewitt, a nationally syndicated radio host, will serve as master of ceremonies. The Ohio State University Marching Band is scheduled to perform. Members of the U.S. Congress will be invited to symbolically sign a ceremonial 250th anniversary Declaration of Independence.

The weekend will conclude with a large fireworks display. Organizers are encouraging schools, veterans groups, historical societies and civic organizations to participate.

Ohio’s role in the nation’s history, home to eight U.S. presidents and a significant contributor to the Union during the Civil War, is also a focus of the commemoration.

For more information or to get involved, click HERE.