What the bell?

Explore the weird, the wonderful, and the whimsical at BellFest – from exclusive events and happenings, to behind-the-scenes access at some of the most fascinating historical sites in Washington, D.C.

When Nazis Took All the Bells

Between 1939 and 1945, the National Socialist German Workers' Party under Adolf Hitler – the Nazis – confiscated over 175,000 bells from towers throughout Europe....

A Bell and an Antipope

In June 1439, the Council of Basel deposed Pope Eugene IV, but there was a problem: did they have the authority? The Pope certainly didn’t think so and quickly moved...

An Introduction to Bell Inscriptions

Inscriptions on bells are some of the most pristinely preserved records from centuries past. It is writing cast in bronze. At times curious and whimsical, beautiful...

Honoring Black History Month with Bells

As Black History Month comes to a close, the National Bell Festival was thrilled to join John Widmann, city carillonneur of Frederick, MD, inside the imposing Joseph...

Bells to Half-Muffle in Tribute to Americans Lost to COVID-19

Today, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation directing the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the more than 500,000 Americans...

Pages

Categories:

#BellFest