We are pleased that you have decided to visit your National Park! As guardians of your park, we want to ensure that you and your students enjoy your visit and have a successful, educational experience. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial has several educational opportunities for your school group.
Visitor Center
Your first stop should be the park's Visitor Center. Here you will find exhibits about the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Erie, the peace that came out of the war, and the building of the memorial. Also in the Visitor Center groups should see the 15 minute film "The Battle of Lake Erie". Starting their visit watching the film, students will have a better understanding and appreciation for the Memorial.
Memorial
The Visitor Center is a good starting point, but groups should also visit the Memorial Column and the Observation Deck. There is however some important things that needs to be known about the Memorial before your visit. The column was built between 1912 and 1915 and as an historic structure is not handicap accessible. Once visitors get inside the Memorial Rotunda, the base of the Memorial, they need to walk up 37 steps to get to the elevator. Halfway up the stairs is a small landing with a bench. The elevator will hold 10 people plus the Ranger to run the elevator. So to get your group to the top and back in a timely manner we suggest you break into groups of 10 (at least one adult and nine students) ahead of time. The cost to go up to the Memorial's Observation Deck is $10.00 for adults 16 years of age and older. Children 15 years and younger are free and must be accompanied by an adult. It is also important to note there are no restrooms in the Memorial. The closest restrooms are in the Memorial's basement and the park's Visitor Center.
Ranger Programs
Rangers are often available to give educational programs on a wide range of topics, including the naval battle, war, peace, nature, and the National Park Service. These talks can range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes in length. One of our most requested programs is our historic small arms, or black powder musket demonstrations. A Ranger dressed as a soldier or sailor from the War 1812 gives insight into what it was like to fight in a war over 200 years ago. The program concludes literally with a bang when the musket is fired. You can request what kind of program you would like, however, all programs are dependent on staffing for the day of your visit so make note of 2nd choice of program if there is one.
Schedule Your Trip
To schedule your visit to Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, please contact the park's school group coordinator by phone at (419) 285-2184 ex 1237 or by e-mail.
Please schedule your visit a minimum of two weeks prior to your arrival. A month prior is preferable. School groups who arrive unannounced may find staff unavaiable for programs at certain times of the year. Any groups scheduled will be given priority over groups that do not call in advance of their visit.