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Contact: Paul Campbell, 267-586-7225
Philadelphia – Independence National Historical Park and Independence Historical Trust are excited to break ground on a project that will transform the timeworn Benjamin Rush Garden at 3rd and Walnut Streets into the new home for the Bicentennial Bell. The project, which will return the historic bell to the public and create a fresh, accessible space, is a collaborative effort between Independence National Historical Park and their non-profit philanthropic partner, the Independence Historical Trust.The Bicentennial Bell was a gift from the People of Great Britain to the People of the United States, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the bell on July 6, 1976, during her visit to Independence National Historical Park. The bell was cast at Whitechapel Foundry, the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell, and is inscribed with the words “Let Freedom Ring.”
Between 1976 and 2013 this bell was in a prominent location at the park's old visitor center until being placed in storage when that building was demolished to make way for the Museum of the American Revolution. The Bicentennial Bell will once again be on public display in the center of this new garden, suspended in air by an armature.
“Bringing the Bicentennial Bell to its new home is just one of the many exciting projects being completed as the park prepares for our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026,” said Acting Superintendent Alexcy Romero. “The Queen graciously presented this bell to the former colonies on America’s 200th birthday, and this project will place that bell back on public display, just in time for our next milestone celebration.
”The project is partially funded by the Independence Historical Trust through a $1 million donation from The Landenberger Family Foundation. The donation facilitated the concept and design phases of the project, the design, fabrication and installation of the bell’s armature, and other crucial elements.“
The Landenberger Family traces its roots in Philadelphia back to the American Revolution. The Foundation is proud to celebrate this period of our history by revitalizing this garden and permanently installing the Bicentennial Bell amid the city's most important historical sites,” said Joseph Glyn and Elie Glyn, directors of The Landenberger Family Foundation.
The National Park Service will now oversee the construction phase of the project. Rehabilitation of the garden, which sits at the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets, includes connecting the upper and lower portions with a ramp to make the space accessible to all visitors, fixing the water feature on the north wall, and planting shrubs and other plants that were traded between Great Britain and her North American colonies during the 1700s.
“I think we’re all excited to have the Bicentennial Bell displayed in the park where it can be appreciated by everyone who visits. It’s an important piece of our history and commemorates 200 years of American independence. The timing is right to get this completed ahead of 2026 when we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary,” said Tom Caramanico, Executive Director of Independence Historical Trust.
Project completion estimate is Summer 2024.
www.nps.gov
About Independence National Historical Park
One of America’s 420+ national parks, Independence National Historical Park was created 75 years ago by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. For more information visit the park’s website, http://www.nps.gov/inde or follow us on social media by searching @IndependenceNHP.
About Independence Historical Trust
Established in 1972, the Independence Historical Trust (formerly known as the Friends of Independence National Historical Park) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to help Independence National Historical Park (INHP) prepare for the bicentennial celebration of the United States in 1976. In its 50-year history, the Trust has helped fund major projects, as well as the acquisition and conservation of important documents and artifacts.
Last updated: November 2, 2023