Malden Unveils Memorial Bell Honoring Revolutionary-Era Vote For Independence

MALDEN, MA — A historic memorial bell was unveiled and rung for the first time during Malden Declaration Day festivities, commemorating the city's role in the American Revolution and the 250th anniversary of the Malden Declaration.

The dedication took place recently at Bell Rock Memorial Park as part of the city's annual Malden Declaration Day celebration, hosted by the Mayor's Office and the Malden Public Library. The observance marks Malden's unanimous vote on May 27, 1776, to sever ties with Great Britain and support the creation of an independent American republic. Malden was the first municipality to vote for independence and deliver that message to the Second Continental Congress, weeks before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

The centerpiece of this year's event was the dedication of a 150-year-old, 1,200-pound bronze memorial bell purchased by the city from Verdin Bells & Clocks Inc. of Ohio. The Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation provided funding for the project. One side of the bell features a quotation from the 1776 town meeting: "...if they should declare America to be a free and independent republic, your constituents will support and defend the measure, to the last drop of their blood, and the last farthing of their treasure." The opposite side includes an illustration of a Revolutionary War-era Minuteman.

"The unveiling of the restored memorial bell stands as a meaningful reminder of the importance of preserving the landmarks and stories that connect us to our shared history," Mayor Gary Christenson said. "For generations, this bell has served as a symbol of Malden's heritage and civic pride. Today, we not only celebrate its restoration, but also honor the community members whose dedication ensures that our history continues to inform and inspire future generations."

The ceremony also featured a performance by the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps and a reading of the Malden Declaration by Captain Tom Coots of the Charlestown Militia Company.

Students from the Beebe School performed a Readers' Theatre presentation about the Boston Tea Party, portraying Revolutionary War figures as part of their social studies curriculum. The students were led by Linda Zalk and Tonette Carroll, and the performance was supported through a grant from Malden Reads.

Malden Public Library Director Dora St. Martin also addressed attendees, sharing excerpts from a historical account by Malden Historical Society member Jeff Cronin describing the events surrounding the town's pivotal 1776 vote for independence. Her remarks recalled how residents gathered at the North Parish Meetinghouse after hearing the town bell ring, assembling for a meeting that would place Malden at the forefront of the independence movement among the colonies.

The event concluded with Christenson and Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation Chair C. Henry "Hank" Kezer unveiling the memorial bell and ceremonially ringing it for the first time. The city said the bell will serve as a lasting reminder of Malden's contributions to the nation's founding and the community's commitment to preserving its history.

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