Our next stop on our Revolutionary Philadelphia tour…we’re stopping by The Liberty Bell Center – home to the world famous Liberty Bell. This free museum, not far from Independence Hall allows visitors to learn more about The Liberty Bell through a series of exhibits.
The Liberty Bell: a symbol so ingrained in American culture, it adorns everything from political campaigns to party decorations. But beneath the familiar image lies a compelling question: what is the Liberty Bell, and does it genuinely represent the liberty we associate with it?
The Liberty Bell was ordered by the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751, for use in the State House of Pennsylvania (now known as Independence Hall). They ordered the bell from London’s White Chapel Foundry. It cracked soon after it arrived in Philadelphia. Local Philadelphia craftsmen John Pass and John Stow cast a new bell in 1753, using metal from the English bell. Their names appear on the front of the bell, along with the city and date.
It was decided by the assembly to place a Bible verse from Leviticus 25:10 on the bell: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land Unto all the inhabitants thereof…” This verse imbued the Pennsylvania ideals of liberty set up under William Penn.
In hindsight these words feel prophetic as it was this bell that was used to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.
The State House Bell (Liberty Bell) as it was called, performed significant duties. The bell summoned members of the Pennsylvania Assembly, like Benjamin Franklin to meetings. It was used to announce the coronation of King George III, who Philadelphia remained local to until a series of oppressive taxes without representation lit the fire of revolution. The bell then was run to summon citizens protesting parliamentary oppression.
Just before the British took control of Philadelphia in1777 during The Revolutionary War, the bell was removed from the statehouse (Independence Hall) and hidden at The Zion Reformed Church in Allentown until after the war. Thankfully, it was moved to safety before the British could melt it down, which is one of the reasons we still have it today. It served as the State House bell, solidifying its association with American freedom.
What’s in a name:
In the 1830s a group of abolitionists remembered the bell’s inscription – “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land Unto all the inhabitants thereof…” and adopted it as a symbol and rallying cry for their cause.
By the early 1840s, it’s importance as a national icon had begun to be solidified…
This bell [the Liberty Bell] though no longer used for general purposes, still occupied the place in which it was originally hung, and, like the great bell of St. Paul’s in London, used on special occasions such as the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and visits of distinguished visitors such as Lafayette…it will no doubt be preserved as a national treasure. –James Silk Buckingham, American Historical, Statistic and Descriptive, London, 1841
The infamous crack…
By 1846, a thin crack had begun to affect the sound of The Liberty Bell. The bell was repaired in 1846 and rang on February 23 for George Washington’s birthday celebration. Unfortunately it cracked again shortly thereafter and has not been rung since. There is no documentation on the reason for the crack, but most likely ninety years of continual use finally proved fatal.
For me, the crack is not a flaw, but rather an invitation. Our democratic republic has faced hurdles from The Civil War, to prejudice, debates about the nature of our Constitution, which can feel like we are breaking down. But rather the crack is the opportunity for us as citizens to get involved in our democratic process and to raise our voice for the pursuit of liberty. For our flaws the ideals of democracy are worth fighting for, but we have to be active citizens showing empathy and working together to build a more perfect union for all people.
After the division and devastation of The Civil War, the Liberty Bell traveled around the country to expositions and fairs to help heal the divisions of the Civil War and remind Americans of their earlier days when they fought for independence as one against Great Britain.
The Liberty Bell has remained in Philadelphia since 1915. In 2003, it was moved to its permanent home at The Liberty Bell Center.
The center is 100% free and does not require reservations. Just be prepared to wait in line on busier days. Exhibits include an interactive timeline of The Liberty Bell and how it was an important symbol for abolitionists, unity post-Civil War and also The Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.
The museum also features cool Liberty Bell inspired antiques like a Liberty Bell lamp and commemorative buttons and China from various Independence Day celebrations.
Quick facts:
The Liberty Bell weighs 2080 pounds. It is made of 70% copper, 25% tin and small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver. It hangs from what is believed to be its original yoke made from American elm (Ulmus Americana), also known as white elm, water elm, or soft elm.
To plan your trip to the The Liberty Bell click here
In our next Philadelphia – American Nomad adventure we’ll be exploring The National Constitution Center…don’t forget to subscribe for all the blog updates.
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