Philadelphia’s historic Bicentennial Bell, a gift from Great Britain during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1976 visit, is set to be permanently displayed in Benjamin Rush Garden at 3rd and Walnut streets in Old City. The National Park Service is overseeing the project, with renovations aimed at making the garden a historical attraction that celebrates the relationship between the U.S. and Britain, with the bell as its centerpiece.
The 6-ton, 6 feet, 10 inches in diameter bell bears the inscription, “For the People of the United States of America from the People of Great Britain, 4 July 1976, Let Freedom Ring.” It was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Philadelphia and cast in the same London foundry as the Liberty Bell.
After being displayed outside Independence National Historical Park’s visitor center until 2013, the bell spent the last decade in storage. Thanks to collaboration between Independence National Historical Park and the Independence Historical Trust, the bell’s display is made possible, supported by a $1 million donation from the Landenberger Family Foundation.
This project honors American independence and the historic bonds between the two nations.