Lake Erie Heritage Foundation planning Declaration 250 at Put-in-Bay

Plans are taking shape for a special signing ceremony called Declaration 250 to take place Aug. 1-2 at Put-in-Bay, and the organizers are looking for reenactors of Revolutionary War through the War of 1812 to take part.

The national event, in honor of America's 250th anniversary, is hosted by Lake Erie Heritage Foundation and Perry Group, which organized the anniversary celebration of the Battle of Lake Erie in 2013.

While most celebrations note adoption of the resolution on July 4, 1776, this event honors the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Aug. 2, 1776 – formally declaring separate from Great Britain.

"They transformed a resolution into a binding act of commitment," said David Zavagno, executive director of Lake Erie Heritage Foundation. "That moment – where individuals stepped forward and put everything on the line – is at the heart of what we are creating.

"Although American tradition has romanticized the signing of the Declaration, by affixing their names to the covenant, the delegates were committing an act of mutiny against Britain," he said. "Signers picked up a pen and risked their life, knowing they would be forced to pick up a sword to defend it."

Weekend events will center around Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, and a reenactor village is planned nearby.

"The monument represents America’s second war for independence, fought and won on Lake Erie," Zavagno said. "Connecting 1776 to 1813 creates a complete narrative – and Ohio sits at the center of that story."

Plans include performances by the Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University marching bands, Lee Greenwood, the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Bristol Fife and Drum Corps, and the United States Navy Band.

In addition, there will be a tall ship on display and "one of the largest fireworks displays in the country" over Lake Erie.

"The weekend culminates in a National Signing Ceremony – bringing thousands together in a shared moment tied directly to 1776, expressed in a modern and meaningful way," Zavagno said.

"The defining element is participation. We are asking everyone to 'sign on.' ” he said. "On August 2, participants will add their names recognizing the true day America made its commitment real – transforming the event from something people watch into something they become part of."

For more information on the event, visit https://lakeerieheritage.org. 

Groups or individuals interested in participating in living history demonstrations as part of Freedom Village should contact Zavagno at freedomvillage.declaration250@gmail.com for additional details and to make the necessary arrangements for travel to the island and to reserve space.