The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, in partnership with other island businesses and non-profits, sponsors and supports through its volunteers many great island events during the year on South Bass Island.
We also sponsor our own events such as our annual Island Auction, an annual Art Auction, and an Opening Party and Closing Party for our members, and those interested in becoming members, of the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society.
We could not continue to protect our priceless collection of historic artifacts and offer the general public the opportunity to view these items and learn about island history without the generosity of our members and volunteers.
We appreciate everyone's continued support.
Volunteers
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates on donations, fundraising events and programs, and a small army of volunteers.
The 13 members of the Board of Trustees, which guides the operation of the society, are also made up of volunteers with a shared interest in protecting the museum's collection of island artifacts and providing an educational experience for islanders, the thousands of visitors to the island each year, and the hundreds of school children who visit each spring and fall.
If you'd like to donate your time, please contact the museum for availability. Our busy times include the Museum Auction, the Art Auction, and Heineman Winery's Annual Ohio Wibe Festival's silent auction.
The Heritage Resale Shop is always in need of extra help.
We appreciate everyone's continued support.
What we're working on for 2024
A Lecture Series given at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall on Lake Erie Islands history, with guest speakers from the community and organizations such as the National Park Service, the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, as well as local historians.
A Lake Erie Island Historical Society Newsletter to keep our members informed of events and programs. Looking for guest writers who want to share their knowledge of local history. We want to save money and conserve paper by producing this newsletter to be sent electronically and made available for download from our website.
A visit to North Bass Island. As soon as we have the dates, we'll notify our members in good standing who will have two weeks to purchase tickets before its announced to the general public. No early calls or early reservations.
A surprise event or two.
We have a new Event Committee, and we welcome your ideas.
We hope you'll make plans to join us in 2024 and enjoy our exhibits, events and programming. It takes all of us to continue to support the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society's educational programs and preserve and protect our collection of Lake Erie Islands history. Check back as more events and programs are added over the winter break. Dates and times are subject to change.
Upcoming Events
May 6 -- Heritage Resale Shop open full time for the 2024 season, 11 am to 5 pm
May 11 -- Island Wide Garage Sale. Maps available at the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce. Great bargains at the Heritage Resale Shop. Check us out.
May 17 -- Museum opens daily for the 2024 season, 11 am to 5 pm
June TBD -- Ohio Wine Fest at Heineman Winery
June 21 --Opening Party Potluck at Museum. Museum Members and anyone interested in supporting the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum by joining are invited to attend. Everyone is asked to bring a food item to share. Cocktails start at 4 pm.
August 8 -- Museum Auction at Heineman Winery. Preview items starting at 2 pm. live auction begins at 4 pm. One of the museum's major fundraising events each year. Many vintage, antique and historical items available in both the live and silent auctions.
August TBD -- Museum Art Auction at the Crew's Nest. Island and area artists donate artwork to be sold to benefit the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society.
September 8 -- Historical Weekend Old Tyme Baseball Game, 2 pm, location to be announced soon. The local Mossbacks challenge the Ohio Historical Society Muffins to a game using the original rules of baseball. Museum staff and volunteers will sell hot dogs and soft drinks provided by our friends at Miller Boat Line with all proceeds benefiting the museum.
September 21 -- Annual Museum Membership Meeting and Potluck. Museum Members attending the Annual Meeting will vote for members of the Board of Directors, each serving three-year terms. A brief overview of 2023 events and programs will be given, and a potluck will follow. Those attending are asked to bring a food item to share.
September 30 -- Museum and Heritage Resale Shop closes for the 2024 season.
October 4 -- Museum Volunteer Party. Our chance to thank our volunteers who donate their time at our events and fundraisers, and who work in the Museum Resale Shop. We always excited to see new volunteers join our team. Volunteers running the Resale Shop receive "Resale Shop Bucks" to purchase items in the store. Stop by and ask for more information, or to sign up.
Put-in-Bay Road Races
Want to know more about the Put-in-Bay road races? The Put-in-Bay Road Race Heritage Society has all the information you could ask for!