Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial will roll out its 32-pound carronade for the national park’s 2020 opening, which has been delayed until Saturday, June 13.

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is announcing a delay in the opening date of the national park to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is the number one priority, said Superintendent Barbara Rowles.

The opening date for the Visitor Center and the start of its ranger programs has been changed from May 16 to June 13. The Saturday, June 13 date is also the 105th anniversary of the Memorial opening to the public. The park’s reproduction 32-pound carronade will be on full display providing demonstrations on June 13 and 14.

“We have worked so hard over the winter to prepare for the season and even harder the last few weeks responding to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation,” said Supt Rowles. “It’s very disappointing to delay opening the park and cancelling some events but necessary to do our part to prevent the spread of the disease. Like so many others, we are looking forward to getting back to a semblance of normalcy when it is safe to do so.

“The staff, volunteers, and partners of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial look forward to opening the park, welcoming visitors once again, and celebrating the 105th anniversary of the Memorial opening to the public with a huge boom from the carronade!”

The following events have been cancelled:

• May 16 – Opening Day; Planting Seeds of Peace
• May 19-21 – Perry Education Days – The national park will be doing virtual programming these dates
• May 23-24 – Carronade firing demonstrations
• May 25 – Memorial Day Service
• June 6 – Music Festival – Celebrating Peace through Music/Women Rock the Vote 19th Amendment Celebration
• June 10 – Voices of Victory
• June 13 – Maritime Exposition
• June 20 – Summer Solstice Sunset Tour
• June 22-25 – Arts on Erie

A further delay in opening the Visitor Center could still be possible depending on COVID-19 developments. The national park will continue to closely monitor federal, state, and local guidance and adjust plans if necessary. Updates on Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial’s opening will be posted on www.nps.gov/pevi/ and its social media channels.

The Memorial and Observation Deck will remain inaccessible indefinitely due to the size and space limitations of the Memorial column including the stairways, elevator landings, and the elevator which do not allow for adequate physical distancing. The park will continue monitoring federal, state, and local health guidance related to COVID-19 and will open the Memorial column as soon as possible.

Outdoor spaces remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance. While enjoying the grounds everyone should maintain the required physical distancing to help slow the spread.

The National Park Service encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial including online activities and Virtual Visitor Passport Stamp on the Memorial’s website.

Park officials encourage all visitors, particularly the most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with underlying conditions, to follow CDC guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures include following routine precautions like washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, please stay home if you feel sick.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus.htm. Updates on Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial opening will be posted on nps.gov/pevi/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.