Historical Events

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 had on the community as a whole. Founder’s Day is sponsored...

Join locals and visitors of Put-in-Bay as we welcome the US Brig Niagara for the 2nd Annual Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration. This historic replica is traditionally at the port in Erie, PA, but we it will be OURS for one weekend this summer. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry commanded the original relief vessel and was a key element to the success of the War of 1812. Now, this replica’s use is exhibition and sailing training. Thanks to the Put-in-Bay Jet Express, Lake Erie Shores & Islands and the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce the Niagara’s visit was made possible by their joint sponsorship....

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 adult 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...

The Auction for History is an annual auction on Put-in-Bay Ohio that benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and begins at 6:30 PM. Viewing of the items for auction begins at 4:00 PM. Bidders can preview live auction items and bid on silent auction items Thursday night, August 9, at 4:00 PM. at the auction site. The auction will be held at the auction site. Check the museum website, leihs.org for more info.

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 Put-in-Bay for a weekend 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 the Siege of Detroit,...

America’s pastime makes its way to Put-in-Bay for one of the most unique events of the summer in Ohio. Put-in-Bay plays host to the Ohio Historical Society Muffins as they take on the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks! You’ll see a game of baseball played by the original rules of the game from the 1800’s and old-timey uniforms to match! It’s like taking a step back in time to the America of yesteryear. This classic clash between the Muffins and the Mossbacks is proudly sponsored by Miller Boat Line. Muffins vs. Mossbacks Info First pitch for Muffins vs. Mossbacks will be at 2:00...

The capstone of the famous Put-in-Bay Ohio Historical Weekend, the Grand Parade wraps things up in style. There will be over 1,000 Boy Scouts marching in the parade, fresh off of their Camporee weekend spent in the shadow of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. There will also be high school marching bands traveling from all over the Midwest to participate. The weekend is full of War of 1812 re-enactments, and the participants will also be marching in the parade. Perhaps the most interesting guest is the the captain of the USS Lake Erie, which is an active service guided...