Exhibits – The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society

The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society has a large collection of historical artifacts from the Lake Erie Islands on display, including a letter written and signed by Oliver Hazard Perry, Commander of the US Brig Lawrence and the American Fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813.

On display is original wooden box camera owned by island photographer Otto Herbster, along with a collection of his souvenir postcards.

We also have historic signs from island businesses, a collection of furniture and items from the Hotel Victory, model boats, items from dare devil pilot Milton Hershberger's Island Airways and his famed Ford Tri-Motors.

There are pieces of souvenir glass and collectable spoons on display, a film on the old Puy-in-Bay Road Races from the 50's and early 60's, the dentist chair from a dentist who worked on patients on his boat, displays on island winemaking, ice harvesting, and the fishing industry.

Steamer Put-in-Bay model display

Museum floor displays

History of the Island's wine industry

The History and Mystery of the island's Hotel Victory

If you'd like to know more about the Hotel Victory, its history and the great fire, check out this article from 2015 from Midwest Guest.

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Upcoming Events

Check out the Museum’s 2026 Events Page for current information on upcoming events.

Sunday, Aug 2 — An Island Pioneer will greet islanders and guests at the Museum today as part of Ottawa County-America 250.

Saturday, Sept. 12 –The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum will feature a display of large format black and white canvas prints recording the building of Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, and the Centennial of the Battle of Lake Erie (1913) at Art in the Park on September 12. The photos were taken by Island photographer Otto G. Herbster and are from the personal collection of Board Member Maggie Beckford. LEIHS will accept Legacy Brick forms and Membership applications as well as have info on the museum and the Heritage Resale Shop.

Sunday, Sept. 13 — LEIHS will operate the concession for Miller Boat Line’s annual Old Tyme Baseball Game, and the museum will again benefit from all proceeds of operating the concession for the game. Thank you, Market Families.

Saturday, Sept. 19 — “Sale Away” at the Heritage Resale Shop’s 20% Off Sale. We’re always happy to accept donations after PIBCC’s Sale Away.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society & Museum

Originally the Put-in-Bay Centennial Celebration Committee (PIBCCC) established in 1975, this organization was renamed the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society in 1985 when a group of dedicated island residents formed to make their vision of an island museum a reality. The first museum opened in 1987 at the historic Put-in-Bay Bottling Works building. A new 6,000 square foot museum building with a research library and archive was opened in 1998. The LEIHS's mission is to educate about Lake Erie Islands history, and to protect and preserve island history for future generations. WE offer six levels of membership, and anyone interested is invited to join. The museum hosts events for members, fundraising events open to everyone, history programs, and collaborative events with island partners. Open daily in the summer months and weekends in the spring and fall, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society museum welcomes school groups, with advance notice please, to explore the history and mystery of the Lake Erie Islands and island life.