Liberty Bell: the Story Behind It

John Cilio takes us through the history of the Liberty Bell. In the early days of America, bells were a community’s mass communication device. They were rung for fires, funerals, festivals and other important events. The Liberty Bell was brought to Philadelphia in 1752 and weighed more than a ton. When first rung, it was uninspiring and cracked. The colonists melted it down and recast the bell, more than once. It endures as a national treasure, one of the six symbols most recognized for representing America. Thanks to generous support from The Friends of C. H. Booth Library.