The Perry Group

06/12/2026

Founders Day Weekend is a celebration of the people who built Put-in-Bay.

This March 1914 photograph shows members of the construction crew working on Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.

More than a century later, their work continues to inspire millions of visitors and stands as a lasting symbol of the Battle of Lake Erie and the peace that followed.

The Perry Group is proud to support the preservation, promotion, and educational mission of this national treasure.

Interested in becoming a member? Learn more at ThePerryGroup.org.

Photo: Otto Herbster, March 1914. Courtesy of the Charles E. Frohman Collection.

06/12/2026

WHAT A MORNING! Today, OCCF awarded 37 grants totaling $138,551 at our Annual Grants Breakfast—the largest grant distribution in Foundation history!

We're grateful to the nonprofit organizations and community groups that are making a difference across Ottawa County every day. From serving children and families to supporting seniors, education, the arts, and community well-being, these organizations make an impact in the lives of so many. OCCF is honored to support their efforts.
-Bayshore Bayshore Counseling Services
-Cancer Services
-Concerned Citizens for Oak Harbor Area
-Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County (OSU Ottawa County 4-H)
-Diabetes Youth Services
-Family & Child Abuse Prevention Center
-Firelands Symphony Orchestra
-Friends of Perry's Victory & Int'l Peace Memorial
-Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County
-Joyful Connections
-Lake Erie Islands Conservancy
-Lake Erie Island Nature & Wildlife Center
-Luther Home of Mercy
-Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society
-Middle Bass Island Historical Society
-Musical Arts Series Port Clinton
-Oak House/Polly's Place
-Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center
-Ottawa County Holiday Bureau
-Ottawa County Task Force on Aging
-Otterbein North Shore
-Port Clinton Area Heritage Foundation
-Port Clinton Firefighters Association
-Port Clinton Soccer Club
-Put-in-Bay Community Swim & Sail
-Schedel Arboretum and Gardens
-Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Oak Harbor
-St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
-The Parkvue Commuity on Catawba Island
-The Salvation Army
-Trinity United Methodist Church Thrift Shoppe
-United Way of Ottawa County
-Walk in My Shoes
-Ottawa County Business Advisory Council - Skilled Trades Center
-OSU Stone Lab

Stay tuned next week as we highlight more about this year's grant recipients!

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

The Put-in-Bay specialty license plate is more than just a license plate.

Each plate supports The Perry Group's mission to preserve, educate, and inspire through programs connected to Commodore Perry, the Battle of Lake Erie, and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial.

Available to any Ohio vehicle owner through the Ohio BMV.

Learn more: theperrygroup.org

06/02/2026

Did You Know?

On June 1, 1813, Captain James Lawrence spoke the words “Don’t Give Up the Ship” after being mortally wounded in battle.

Just over three months later, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry carried those words into history at the Battle of Lake Erie when he flew the now-famous battle flag above his fleet at Put-in-Bay.

More than 200 years later, “Don’t Give Up the Ship” remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the victory that changed the course of the War of 1812.

05/26/2026

📜 Hear ye! Hear ye! 📜

Curious about Declaration 250 and what’s planned for Put-in-Bay’s America 250 celebration?

Join The Perry Group and the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation on Thursday, May 28 at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club for an informational kickoff gathering to learn more about the vision, upcoming events, and plans surrounding Declaration 250.

🕒 3 PM
📍 Put-in-Bay Yacht Club
📅 Thursday, May 28

Whether you’re interested in local history, community involvement, or simply want to learn more about what’s ahead, we invite you to join us and be part of the conversation. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

At Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, history and sacrifice are part of the landscape that surrounds us every day.

Today, we remember those who never made it home.

05/21/2026

Learn more about May 28th 3pm at PIBYC

05/16/2026

Tonight.

Season Preview Night at Perry’s kicks off at 6:30 PM.

Come hear what’s ahead for 2026 — including Declaration 250 and updates on the monument project.

Members welcome. Not a member? Join at the door (50% off for 2026).

See you there.

05/12/2026

The Blessing of the Fleet is one of those traditions that feels simple, but carries a lot of meaning.

In 1813, control of Lake Erie changed the course of the War of 1812 during the Battle of Lake Erie. Today, that same water brings people together for a different reason — to recognize those who spend their time on it and to wish them a safe season ahead.

Did you know?