U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell

The National Bell Festival has established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Committee to plan the bell ringing contribution to our nation’s 250th birthday. As in celebrations past, like the centennial of 1876 and the bicentennial of 1976, bells will feature prominently in community celebrations and national moments of commemoration.

Cover image: The Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, hangs in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Easily recognizable because of its crack, the Liberty Bell was originally called the State House bell, but was renamed by abolitionists fighting to end slavery.

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Plans for a new American bell

As 2026 approaches, the National Bell Festival will unveil the commission of a new grand American bell, following in the tradition of the Liberty Bell, to ring at moments of national significance. This bell will be a gift to future generations of Americans, while commemorating 250 years of American history, innovation, and achievement.

25 women across 250 years

The bell will take as its theme Abigail Adams' plea to “Remember the Ladies” by highlighting a quarter millennium of women's contributions to the American story – featuring one woman from each decade (25 women total) who pushed forward American service, diplomacy, rights, arts, sciences, business, philanthropy, sports, and more. True visionaries and changemakers across the arc of our nation’s history, these women will continue to ring out and inspire for the next 250 years.

Section image: Participants of the Hunter Army Airfield Patriot Day Run on Sept. 8, 2022, ring the fire bell after completing the run in honor of those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Approximately 2,000 Soldiers, family members, Veterans, DoD civilians, and guests participated in the run. Courtesy: Daniel Malta, Fort Stewart Public Affairs Office.*

Ringing from sea to shining sea

In addition to commissioning the U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell, the National Bell Festival will also lead bell ringing tributes during the official celebrations. This will include a moment of nationwide ringing, where bells from coast to coast will ring out in freedom and togetherness. Join the tintinnabulation!

US Semiquincentennial Bell Ringing Schedule

The National Bell Festival invites bells and bell towers across America to ring out together at 2:00pm Eastern on July 4, 2026, creating a canopy of sound over our nation. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from all states and territories are encouraged to gather and contribute to the sound.

Then, tune-in to hear the U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell ring out for the first time during our live streaming event at 2:50pm Eastern. Additional details on the official ringing calendar will be announced soon.

Section image: A Boy Scout and Girl Scout ring a replica of the Liberty Bell at the Harry S. Truman Library on July 4, 1959. Courtesy: Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.

Get involved!

Consider making a donation to support the casting of this once-in-a-generation bell, register your community bell to join in the nationwide ringing for the 250th, or sign up to receive news and happenings as we count down to the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Section image: A Kaiserslautern Military Community child rings a bell while riding a carnival attraction during Freedom Fest at the Enlisted Club parking lot on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on July 4, 2017. Carnival rides, games, and cotton candy stands were set up for Freedom Fest, Ramstein’s way of celebrating Independence Day. Courtesy: Senior Airman Devin Boyer, U.S. Air Force.*

Connecting the nation: America250

America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. This effort is being led at the national level by the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and its supporting nonprofit America250 Foundation, with a mission to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history.

America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. Learn more by visiting the official America250 website.

Section image: A member of the United States Armed Forces carries his son, who is holding an American flag, on his shoulders.

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.