News Release

Independence Historical Trust Announces the Landenberger Family Foundation pledges to give $1 million to the Bicentennial Bell Garden at Independence National Historical Park

Artists concept drawing of the new Bicentennial Bell Garden

Courtesy of Independence Historical Trust

News Release Date: February 12, 2020

Contact: Maiti Gallen, 215-861-4971

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Independence Historical Trust is pleased to announce that they have received a pledge of $1 million from the Landenberger Family Foundation to support the Bicentennial Bell Garden project. The project will relocate the Bicentennial Bell, a gift from Great Britain in 1976 that was given to the United States and display it in a rehabilitated garden at the corner of 3^rd and Walnut Streets.

“The Landenberger Family Foundation is proud to partner with the Independence Historical Trust in creating a new home for the Bicentennial Bell. As the centerpiece of an enhanced public garden, the Bell will testify to Philadelphia's historical importance in the universal quest for freedom and democracy. The Bicentennial Bell Garden will be a great asset to the local community and to all who love American history, and as such, it beautifully fulfills the mission of the Landenberger Family,” said Joseph Glyn and Elie Glyn, Directors of the Landenberger Family Foundation.

The Bicentennial Bell was given in 1976 to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as well as to celebrate the shared heritage between Great Britain and the United States.  Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, dedicated the bell on July 6, 1976 saying, “Today, to mark the 200th anniversary of that declaration, it gives me the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the British people, to present a new bell to the people of the United States of America. It comes from the same foundry as the Liberty Bell but written on the side of this Bicentennial Bell are the words ‘Let Freedom Ring.’ It is a message in which both our people can join and which I hope will be heard around the world for centuries to come.”

The Bicentennial Bell Garden project will bring the wishes made on that summer day in 1976 to the forefront once again, creating a new site where visitors can view the Queen's gift, a tangible symbol that two nations once divided in strife could become allies and friends. "The relocation of the Bicentennial Bell has been a longtime goal for Independence National Historical Park, and we are thankful to Independence Historical Trust and the Landenberger Family Foundation for making this project a reality.  Not only will this become a space where we can interpret the shared history of the two countries but the garden itself will be transformed into a welcoming greenspace for all visitors,” said Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park.  
 
“We are grateful to the Landenberger Family Foundation and for the vision of Joseph Glyn and Elie Glyn in making this transformational gift to improve this area of Independence National Historical Park. This donation will enable us to finish another important improvement on the east side of Independence,” said Tom Caramanico, Executive Director of Independence Historical Trust. “With the generosity of the Landenberger Family Foundation, Independence Historical Trust will be able to move the Bicentennial Bell Garden restoration forward quickly,” he promised.



Independence Historical Trust is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose primary mission is to support Independence National Historical Park. Created in 1972, the Trust was the first Friends group to support a national park. For over 46 years, the Trust has been the main Philanthropic Partner to Independence National Historical Park. To support these initiatives or learn about other Semiquincentennial projects, please contact Joyce Walker, Deputy Director at [e-mail] or visit our website at http://www.INHT.org.