Hill School Bell Fundraising Surpasses $40K

BIRMINGHAM, MI – A more than $34,500 grant from the Rosso Family Foundation buoyed a project to build a gazebo-like structure to showcase a school bell from the 1869 Hill School.

With the Rosso donation and others, the Birmingham Historical Museum met its $40,000 goal in the HIll School Bell Outdoor Structure Project, which would create a permanent outdoor installment that protects it from the elements and includes lighting and security.

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The bell was rescued by Birmingham Public Schools when the old school was demolished in 1969. It was donated in 2007 to the museum board, which has been raising money since 2011 with the Friends of the Birmingham Historical Museum & Park, the Birmingham school board, Birmingham residents and others.

The Rosso Family Foundation, which donated $34,532, has been supportive of the project since its inception, and has also financially supported the museum, a spring-fed pond area and landscaping.

“The Rosso Family Foundation has demonstrated a lasting commitment to Birmingham’s heritage,” Pielack said in a statement. “The Birmingham Historical Museum, the city of Birmingham, and the entire community owe a debt of gratitude to the Rosso Family Foundation for its many efforts to preserve and celebrate our history.”

The gazebo-like structure that will house the bell is inspired by the original cupola from the Hill School. It will be installed this spring and summer in the plaza area between the Allen House and the Hunter House, with greater visibility and accessibility to passersby.