Command & Courage: Oliver Hazard Perry (Day 1 of 2)

Thursday, August 13 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, August 14, 9 am to 4 p.m. (includes breakfast and lunch)

Gannon University Yehl Ballroom, 124 W. 7th Street, Erie, PA 16501

This two‑day symposium is dedicated to one of America's most influential early naval figures: Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. 

The event will offer a deep, multidimensional look at the man whose leadership helped secure the United States' control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.

Noted historians and researchers will share how Perry's leadership, at just 28 years old, shaped the nation's expansion into the Upper Midwest and helped define the emerging identity of the early U.S. Navy.

Speakers include:

Douglas Brinkley, PhD, renowned American historian, author, and professor at Rice University

Christopher Havern, MA, a historian at Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC)

Matthew C. Perry, PhD, lecturer and direct descendant of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

Craig Symonds, PhD, a professor at the Naval War College

Walter Rybka, BA, author and former administrator at the Erie Maritime Museum and former senior captain of the Niagara.

There are no single day tickets.

Thanks to our sponsors: Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, PNC Bank, Doris Becker Lecture Series, and the Jefferson Educational Society