Alabama’s Liberty Bell rings out for the 250th Declaration anniversary
Reading time: 4 minutes
Alabama’s historic Liberty Bell took center stage on the south lawn of the State Capitol in Montgomery on the evening of Wednesday, July 8. History came alive as state officials, local leaders, and community members gathered for a momentous double celebration: commemorating the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence and witnessing the official rededication of this newly restored national treasure.
Many Alabamians might not know that our state’s Liberty Bell is actually part of a significant national lineage. It is one of a series of 55 exact copies commissioned and presented to the states and U.S. territories by the U.S. Treasury Department in 1950. After touring the state by truck during the summer of 1950 to promote savings bonds, bell number 38 spent its next 25 years greeting visitors in the lobby of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
In 1975, the bell was relocated to the Avenue of Flags on the south lawn of the Capitol for greater public visibility during the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. Over the decades, however, exposure to the elements took its toll on the historic treasure.
Earlier this year, the bell embarked on a journey to Bell Foundry Christoph’s premier facilities in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks to funding provided by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission Foundation, Inc., the bell underwent a professional restoration to bring back its original visual and acoustic brilliance.
A historic Montgomery Alabama community event celebrating liberty
The restoration effort was spearheaded by State Treasurer Young Boozer III. The project holds a profound personal connection for the Boozer family: Treasurer Boozer’s father was actually one of the state leaders responsible for bringing the replica bell to Alabama back in 1950.
Hosted by the Alabama Department of Archives & History, the ceremony featured a prominent lineup of local dignitaries. Steve Murray of the Archives welcomed the crowd, followed by a crisp Presentation of Colors by the Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Tricia McBride representing the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Bryan Reeves of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra filled the summer air with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem and Rep. Kenneth Paschal gave remarks on behalf of the America 250 Alabama Commission.
In a tribute to the events of July 8, 1776, an introductory address by Steve Murray paved the way for a collaborative reading of the Declaration of Independence. Sections of the historic document were powerfully read aloud by a panel:
- Adjutant General David Pritchett, Alabama National Guard
- Rev. Dr. Agnes Lover, Saint Paul AME Church
- Senator Greg Albritton, Alabama Legislature
- Tara Samant, The Montgomery Academy
- Associate Justice Kelli Wise, Alabama Supreme Court
- Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, Montgomery County
Following an overview of the bell’s history shared by State Treasurer Young Boozer III, the highly anticipated moment arrived. Treasurer Boozer, alongside his grandson Ford Bryant Sterling, State Regent Malinda Williams (DAR), and State President Ron Dains (SAR), officially unveiled and rang the beautifully restored bell.
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