In September of 1813, during the War of 1812, Oliver Hazard Perry of the U.S. Navy and his crew of 557 brave patriots prevailed over the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Two hundred years years later, we will come together to celebrate Perry's victory, our nation's sovereignty and the enduring peace between nations. As caretakers of our freedom, we are called to bear witness to history in our own special way. The torch has been passed to our generation, who enjoys the great bounties of Lake Erie that were secured forever by Perry and those who came before us.
The Bicentennial and the Battle of Lake Erie are far more than quaint relics of a bygone era. They embody the noble aspirations of all mankind. They speak to not only what has passed, but to what endures: ingenuity, bravery and the sensational appetite for freedom. Perry and his crew led us to a better life in a better world.
In September 2013 YOU can stand in their place and honor their service as crew members on one of the American Tall Ships Vessels commemorating this historic battle. Select your preference for the officer, sailor or marine you wish to represent from the list of 557 names listed on this site. Each listing indicates the name, rank and vessel upon which the crew member served. Biographical background is also included where available.
OSU Marching Band to Play for Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration at Put-in-Bay in 2013
Cleveland, Ohio — November 23, 2011
The organizing committee planning a regional celebration for The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial today announced that The Ohio State University Marching Band will perform the 1812 Overture and other patriotic favorites at Put-in-Bay, Ohio on September 1, 2013. Read full story here.
Ports along Lake Erie in northern Ohio, Michigan and Canada are hoping to be selected as hosts for tall ships traveling to the lake in 2013…
At least 10 ports already have applied to host the sailing vessels during the two-week bicentennial celebration beginning Labor Day weekend in 2013. You can read the full story here.
On September 10, 2011, representatives of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard commemorated the 198th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie in a special ceremony on the battle site.
- Lake Erie Sailors Celebrate Battle of Lake Erie
- Commemorating the 198th Anniversary
of the Battle of Lake Erie - Oliver Hazard Perry’s 1813 Victory Commemoration
- Bicentennial Celebration Begins
- Perry’s Memorial Readies for 200th Anniversary
Our Funding Campaign
The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation seeks to raise $750,000 from individual, corporate and foundation partners to fund a year-long series of educational and historical activities, the Tall Ships reenactment of the Battle, a public performance of the 1812 Overture by The Ohio State Marching Band, a giant fireworks show, entertainment, and an 18-month marketing campaign to promote a diverse and inclusive series of regional Bicentennial events.
The initial vehicle for Campaign donor and sponsor recognition is the Bicentennial website www.BattleofLakeErie-Bicentennial.com. Campaign partner recognition and signage will be developed and incorporated in Bicentennial events. Permanent recognition of participants, donors and sponsors will be erected at Put-in-Bay, Ohio at the conclusion of the events. Naming opportunities are available.
Interested individual, corporate and foundation partners should contact:
David R. Zavagno, Bicentennial Chairman at (440) 349-3210 or drzavagno@cs.com or
Christopher E. Sedlock at (216) 310-4883 or csedlock@wowway.com
Join us in September 2013 and be a part of this historic event. Register to participate or to be updated as we make our plans.
Thank you.
The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation in conjunction with The Perry's Group
Commodore Perry is looking
for 557 patriotic Americans
who will be commissioned as
seamen to represent each and
every original Navy officer and
crew member.
These modern
day volunteer navy recruits
will participate in A Tall Ships reenactment
of the Battle of Lake
Erie during the Bicentennial.
Listed here is an active roster of
the crew members from 1813.
Get on board and secure your
legacy as part of the 200 year
anniversary!
