Historical

Cross the Lake Erie ice this St. Patrick’s Day and have some pre-season fun at Put-in-Bay! Join the island locals for an Irish inspired day of partying. Wear your four-leaf clovers, grab your green goodies, and get ready to celebrate the Luck O’ The Irish with a pinch of island inspiration. Canada might be closest but on St. Patrick’s Day we are all Irish! Did you know? Put-in-Bay actually has over 180 full-time residents! With that said, our tourist season starts April 1st. If you come in the off-season there... View More

All across the country, families look forward to Memorial Day weekend as a launching point for summer vacations! Put-in-Bay looks forward to this highly anticipated three-day weekend also. In fact, it’s one of the most popular times to visit South Bass Island. During Memorial Day weekend some of Put-in-Bay’s favorite entertainers return to the island ready to entertain the crowds with multiple shows. You will also find Memorial Day Services honoring our Veterans are held at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Visitor’s Center Plaza. The event will take place... View More

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... View More

Join locals and visitors of Put-in-Bay as we welcome the US Brig Niagara for the 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... View More

The Auction for History is an opportunity to take home some amazing historical souvenirs of the Lake Erie islands while supporting a great cause. Your money will go towards helping the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society pursue their mission of preserving the history of the Lake Erie islands. There will be a live auction as well as a silent auction. More detailed information about the Auction for History location and times will become available as the date draws nearer. Check the museum website here for more info on this excellent Put-in-Bay... View More

If you love great summer weather and good times, and you’re also a history buff, this is the Put-in-Bay 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... View More

The annual Grand Parade is a celebration of Put-in-Bay’s history, particularly its pivotal role in the War of 1812. It is the conclusion to the Put-in-Bay Historical Weekend. The parade itself will have many participants. Over 1,000 Boy Scouts participating in their camporee event will join the parade. So will high school marching bands from all around the region. There will be War of 1812 re-enactors, who will be performing in events all over the island over the weekend, joining in also. The captain of the USS Lake Erie, an... View More

Nothing says summer quite like an old-fashioned baseball game! South Bass Island is host to the perfect summer event. Each year, you can watch a historic game right on Put-in-Bay. Here, the Ohio Historical Society Muffins challenge the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks! The game follows the original rules of baseball. Muffins vs. Mossbacks is proudly sponsored by the Miller Boat Line. Muffins vs. Mossbacks Game Details: The Muffins vs. Mossback game begins at 2:00 pm. Grab a seat at the ballfield at 210 Concord Avenue. It’s easy to spot next to the... View More