D-Day Ohio, Inc.
On behalf of D-Day Ohio, Inc., we welcome you to join us for "D-Day Conneaut" our annual recreation of June 6th, 1944. As America's premier living history event, this free to the public reenactment is a highly realistic and educational reenactment of the WWII European Theater of Operations and the D-Day Normandy invasion. Since 1999, this re-creation of the events surrounding the allied landings on the coast of Normandy, France has thrilled thousands of spectators. The event occurs within the beautifully kept grounds of Conneaut Township Park, in Conneaut, Ohio. Hundreds of re-enactors from across the United States and Canada assemble on the 250 yard long beach and sloping adjacent terrain, which closely resemble Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Other areas of the park provide secluded venues for recreations of inland skirmishes between the occupying German soldiers, French resistance fighters, and Allied parachute and Glider infantry. Spectators have an excellent and unobstructed view of the battlefield. Encampments of Allied and Axis units provide spectators the entire 1940's military experience. Seaside, home life, and camp life of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the actual landings are realistically recreated with original equipment, uniforms and vehicles. If you are new to D-Day Conneaut, click our Event and Travel Info link for some guidance and suggestions.
While in Conneaut, we also welcome you to visit our North Coast WWII History Museum. Here you will find artifacts and displays that highlight the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of the Northeast Ohio region on the battlefields and the home front.
Our Mission
D-Day Ohio, Incorporated educates about and commemorates the Normandy Invaision of 6 June, 1944, predominantly through living history.
Our Vision
It is the purpose of D-Day Ohio, Inc. to faithfully preserve the events of June 6, 1944 by annually sponsoring "D-day Conneaut". The event commemorates the World War II battle that occurred on the Normandy coast in early June of 1944 between the Allied and Axis armies. D-day Conneaut is a cultural and historical reenactment of the WWII era. Great attention is given to participant authenticity so we can create a living history of WWII. Beyond the reenactment of the beach attacks by WWII re-enactors, an encampment of both Allied and Axis troops will be held to share the daily life of the soldiers of both armies. Through the encampments, battle reenactments, lectures, displays and tours, the public gains an understanding of the events that occurred prior to June 6, 1944, and the sacrifices made during and after the invasion. Special recognition is given to all U.S. veterans, particularly those who served in WWII. Profits from the event will be dedicated to the continuance of the event in future years.
D-Day Ohio, Inc. Document
For information about D-Day Ohio's organizational documents and articles of incorporation, visit here.
Our History
D-Day Conneaut began in 1999 when a small group of reenactors set out to "relive the day" of the Normandy invasion the beach at Conneaut Park. Initially, this was not a public event, though park visitors had the opportunity to watch the reenactment from the bluff overlooking the beach. In 2007, D-Day Ohio, Inc. incorporated and the all volunteer staff began its quest to make D-Day Conneaut the largest and most historically accurate D-Day Living History Reenactment in the country. The event now draws over 1,500 reenactors a year from across the globe who participate in the various living history activities and nearly 45,000 spectators during the two day event.
2016 D-Day Conneaut opens doors of it's WWII museum. The North Coast WWII History Museum located in Conneaut Ohio features regional memorabilia and exhibits that shine a light on the life and history of those who served at home and abroad during World War II. Click here for more information about the museum.