The Bicentennial Bell Finds New Home

The Bicentennial Bell is a historic gift presented to the United States by the United Kingdom in 1976. This gift celebrated the 200th anniversary of American independence and symbolizes the shared history between the two nations. The bell was a goodwill gesture and a tribute to the historical ties that connect the United States and the United Kingdom

On July 6, 1976, Queen Elizabeth II presented the bell during a special ceremony in Philadelphia. The presentation was part of the larger bicentennial celebrations, which included events across the United States. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, one of the world's oldest and most famous bell foundries (closed in 2017), cast the bell in London. This foundry was renowned for creating iconic bells, including Big Ben and the Liberty Bell. The Bicentennial Bell weighs approximately 12 tons and is made of bronze, a traditional material for bell casting.

The Bell's original location was just a few blocks from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The bell was housed in a specially designed tower, which stood as a landmark in the city's historical district outside of the park’s old visitor center.

In 2013, the bell was removed from its original tower to make way for the soon-to-be-built Museum of the American Revolution, a museum dedicated to telling the story of the fight for independence. Since then, the bell has remained in storage.

Today, the National Park Service and the Independence Historical Trust are undertaking the renovation of Benjamin Rush Garden. Located at the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, the garden will be the new home of the Bicentennial Bell, which will be surrounded by pathways, lights, and planting beds. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024. As the Bell finds its new home, it will continue to serve as a symbol of friendship and unity between the two nations, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience its rich history and significance.

As a proud, long-time supporter of the Independence Historical Trust, Urban Engineers provided Urban Video Productions (UVP) services to film the construction of the new bell structure, preparing it for relocation to its new home. Documenting this process captures the technical and engineering skills involved and preserves the historical moment.

Check back for more updates as the project moves forward.