Historical Events

Hop on a Put in Bay ferry to be apart of one of the most heartfelt weekends of the summer is Founder’s Day. Jose DeRivera was a Hispanic merchant who purchased the South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast, and Starve Islands for the sum of $44,000 in 1854. Then, Jose sold off parcels of the land to the community for a fraction of the price. He sold the school property for $1 and the St. Paul’s church property for $10. Founder’s Day is in place to celebrate the rich history, strong island heritage and the impact DeRivera’s good deeds...

Benson Ford Ship House Tour On June 11th On June 11th,  visitors to Put-in-Bay will have the opportunity to check out the interior of an amazing PIB landmark and one of America’s most unique homes. The Benson Ford Ship House, once a freighter owned by Henry Ford, cut in half and converted into a home on the shore of South Bass Island, is a history buff’s dream. And for one afternoon, tours will be available for $40, with the proceeds raising funds for a couple of charitable island causes. How to get tickets to the tour: Tickets are available at...

For over 10 years in a row, pirates be invadin’ Put-in-Bay’s downtown harbor on Friday at 4:00 PM to open the Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest. Grab your wooden leg and your pet parrot, because you’re going to need them. Saturday will be an exciting day for kids and adults full of fun activities. Make sure you don’t miss the Pirate Parade downtown and the Best Costume Contest this side of Lake Erie. Adults and children are both encouraged to participate in this hot Put-in-Bay Ohio summer weekend. Additionally, the best adult pirate costume wins a trip to the Cayman Islands! Sounds...

Benson Ford Ship House Tour On August 27th On August 27th,  visitors to Put-in-Bay will have the opportunity to check out the interior of an amazing PIB landmark and one of America’s most unique homes. The Benson Ford Ship House, once a freighter owned by Henry Ford, cut in half and converted into a home on the shore of South Bass Island, is a history buff’s dream. And for one afternoon, tours will be available for  $40, with the proceeds raising funds for a couple of charitable island causes. How to get tickets to the tour: Tickets are available at...

If you love great summer weather and good times, and you’re also a history buff, this is the Put-in-Bay Ohio weekend for you. Put-in-Bay Historical Weekend is a grand occasion where the island remembers its incredible place in American history with reenactments, live entertainment, and art. It’s an excellent opportunity to have fun, learn, and enjoy all the things to do in put in bay. The Battle of Lake Erie The War of 1812 was not going particularly well for the fledgling nation of America prior to September 10, 1813. The British mounted many successful campaigns against America in 1812, including...