Light’s Golden Jubilee
{reading time: 12 minutes} Since the beginning, darkness has always pressed terrifyingly upon the earth …
Saved by zero
{reading time: 12 minutes} When we think of magical numbers, we don’t think of zero. But that just makes the magic stronger. So it’s only fitting the Wyoming Liberty Bell replica is number zero.
Precious
{reading time: 9 minutes} The Arizona Liberty Bell replica weighs 2080 pounds. 1,622 of those pounds are copper. 1,103 of those copper pounds were mined in the state. Here’s the story …
The quiet one
{reading time: 9 minutes} For 20+ years the Kansas Liberty Bell replica has been unceremoniously stashed in the parking garage of shame. But …
The Belladier
{reading time: 7 minutes} Very few bells these days have a belladier. In 1994, David Hall, a sandblaster by trade, finds his true calling, and I find my belladier.
The sisters of Liberty
{reading time: 10 minutes} Is the truest, most authentic Liberty Bell replica ever made sitting silently in the lobby of a sleepy small town bank? Some in perfectly-named Liberty, Texas would have you think so …
The cattle baron’s bell
{reading time: 7 minutes} How a one-ton Liberty Bell replica vanished in plain sight in America’s fifth-largest city.
2,000 miles
{reading time: 9 minutes} Hundreds of blood-red handprints cover the bright white Columbus limestone columns and steps of the Ohio Statehouse … (Part 5 of 6)
A fire bell in the night
{reading time: 6 minutes} How did Virginia’s Liberty Bell wind up in front of a firehouse on a nondescript thoroughfare in Charlottesville? The story starts more than 70 years ago.
Squeak
{reading time: < 1 minute} In 2106, Whitinsville, Massachusetts resident George Warren was pissed off.
Casting shackles
{reading time: 3 minutes} Marka Truesdale duPont stands before a bubbling cauldron of molten metal. Outside, it’s a gorgeous spring day — the 13th of April 1953. Inside, it’s …
Is the Liberty Bell a replica?
{reading time: 5 minutes} Is the Liberty Bell a replica? No. That’s the short answer. The long answer depends on how you ask the question.
Higher ground
{reading time: 8 minutes} The world’s best Liberty Bell experience is exactly where you’d least expect it … (Part 2 of 6)
The 57 U.S. Treasury Liberty Bell replicas
{reading time: < 1 minute} In 1950 the U.S. Department of the Treasury commissioned at least 57 Liberty Bell replicas as promotional tools for a Savings Bond drive. This is their story …
Other Liberty Bell locations
{reading time: < 1 minute} In addition to the 57 U.S. Treasury bells, there are plenty of Liberty Bells to be found around the world. Here are some of their stories …
The minute of madness
{reading time: 11 minutes} Four bells, twelve states, and countless surprises. This is 2020 (Part 1 of 6) …
Big things in little towns
{reading time: 8 minutes} Charleston, Illinois is where, in 1858, Senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln famously refuted his opponent’s accusation that he favored racial equality. But that’s not why we’re in Charleston. We’re here to see the Liberty Bell … (Part 4 of 6)
The ongoing hunt for DC’s missing Liberty Bell
{reading time: 9 minutes} The Capital City’s Liberty Bell replica has been missing for over 30 years. Can you solve the mystery? …
The Disneyland of Death
{reading time: 8 minutes} Armageddon’s first episode will surely be broadcast from Forest Lawn Memorial-Park …
The gamble
{reading time: 24 minutes} It’s hard to be in the cemetery business without getting your hands dirty every now and then …
Tales from the lawn crypt
{reading time: 10 minutes} An advertisement runs in the Minneapolis Star. Pictured is a well-dressed nuclear family: mom, dad, the boy, the girl, and grandma — who looks healthy but will probably die soon …
The Garden of Eternal Liberty
{reading time: 8 minutes} She backed away slowly and blended into the shrubbery …
The surly bonds of Earth
{reading time: 6 minutes} If we share our space with all the souls who’ve lived here before us, then Melbourne, Florida is teeming with ghosts — and they’re not all at peace …
The most magical bell on Earth
{reading time: 9 minutes} Much of what you read about the Disney Liberty Bell replica is somewhere south of the full truth. But the real story is no less interesting …
The risk-free road to independence
{reading time: 10 minutes} Florida man orders 666 donuts and demands to speak with Lemmy from Motörhead — all via fax machine …
So much cheese
{reading time: 7 minutes} At the Melting Pot restaurant in Wilmington, the main attraction isn’t getting to cook your own food, it’s the full-size Liberty Bell sitting inexplicably in the lobby …
What do you want to do with your life?
{reading time: 13 minutes} I’m frozen silent. Frozen with fear. Frozen with doubt. Frozen by two dozen sets of eyes that now focus on me, wondering if they’re about to witness their first murder …
A little bit of Philly in the Big D
{reading time: 7 minutes} This time the inspiration came from somewhere south of heaven. South Philly, to be precise …
Anarchy in the PNW
{reading time: 12 minutes} It’s the Saturday before the first Thanksgiving of the 1970s, and shit in Portland has been blowing up with alarming regularity …
Good vibrations
{reading time: 12 minutes} The parade features a floating (and erupting) volcano stage, a 200-person roller-skating human pyramid, fast food restaurant workers marching in uniform, the Liberty Bell, and (of course) Patrick Duffy …
It tolls for thee
{reading time: 12 minutes} McBride spends his last 35 cents on coffee and rolls. He tramps the streets for 16 hours until remembering the young well-wisher who donated their glass Liberty Bell bank to the cause …
Cracked rear view
{reading time: 5 minutes} Perhaps in an effort to not be known as the home of the world’s largest statue of a racist centenarian, Columbia boasts the world’s largest fire hydrant and a Hootie and the Blowfish memorial …
That time Hitler stole the Liberty Bell
{reading time: 11 minutes} Cablegram: May 6, 1940 | To: Herr Hitler, Berlin “Only accurate replica of the Liberty Bell … we offer $3,000 if delivered at New York in good condition for use in the World’s Fair …
Reverend Joseph B. Head, the Liberty Bell Minister
{reading time: 15 minutes} “You have never met a character like me.” Part showmanship, part satisfaction guarantee; this is how the Reverend Joseph B. Head, the Liberty Bell minister, …
Annecy Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 13 minutes} High in the French Alps, Edouard de Reydet carefully combines local earth, ground to a fine powder, egg whites and just the right amount of horse manure. Things are just starting to get back to normal in Annecy-le-Vieux.
National Treasury: the case of DC’s missing Liberty Bell
{reading time: 14 minutes} How exactly does a one-ton Liberty Bell replica disappear? Since I launched this site, folks have reached out to me with stories about various Liberty …
The Texas Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 11 minutes} Lyle Lovett’s That’s right (you’re not from Texas) plays as we cross the Brazos River in our rented Nissan. Dawn drifts in and out of …
Nebraska Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 13 minutes} 40,000 Nebraskans converged at 9th and Q in downtown Lincoln to greet the guest of honor on this hot July afternoon. Parents lifted small children over …
Washington Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 3 minutes} The Washington state Liberty Bell replica is hidden away right in the center of town. Most visitors likely pass over it without noticing. It sits in …
Rhode Island Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} We wrapped up our New England bell tour in Providence, visiting Liberty Bell replica number 37 — our 7th and final bell of the tour. Our …
Massachusetts Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 4 minutes} Massachusetts Liberty Bell replica Update: Mr. George Warren, who singlehandedly made this happen, let me know he was one of the first people to see …
Maine Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Leaving Montpelier around 12:30 pm, we powered east through Maine, mainly in the rain. Primarily on back roads, we passed though many small towns, some …
Vermont Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 3 minutes} We arrived in Montpelier from Concord around 11:00 am. It was chilly and raining lightly, but otherwise lovely. We parked across from the old Pavilion Hotel, now …
New Hampshire Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} We arrived in Concord NH after dark and the Bell is not lit, but I was impressed with the flash on the iPhone 6. Reminds …
New York Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} The Liberty Bell replica in Albany NY is located inside the State Education Building across the street from the Capitol. You need to schedule a …
Pennsylvania Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Pennsylvania Liberty Bell replica Update: 7.15.23: I just got a comment from someone who was not able to see the bell. After some digging, it …
West Virginia Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} West Virginia Liberty Bell replica Location: Currently inaccessible. There is extensive construction on the capitol grounds, and the bell is covered by a large plywood …
Wisconsin Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Wisconsin Liberty Bell replica Location: **In the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building 2 E Main Street Madison, WI 53703 ** Capitol set to …
U.S. Virgin Islands Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} U.S. Virgin Islands Liberty Bell replica Location: Emancipation Park Tobod Gade . Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas US Virgin Islands 00804 Serial Number: 51 Can I …
Puerto Rico Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Puerto Rico Liberty Bell replica Update: 11.11.23 In September 2023, I heard from Ricardo Arroyo, whose welding and construction company was tasked with renovating the …
Oregon Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 3 minutes} Oregon Liberty Bell replica Location: (2024) On the east side of the Capitol building, near the statues. 900 Court Street Northeast Salem, OR 97310 Serial …
Oklahoma Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Oklahoma Liberty Bell replica Location: In front of the Oklahoma State Historical Society Building 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Serial Number: 15 …
Montana Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Montana Liberty Bell replica Location: Montana Historical Society 225 N Roberts Street Helena, MT 59620 Serial Number: 8 Can I ring it? No. The clapper …
Mississippi Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Mississippi Liberty Bell replica Location: South grounds of the Mississippi State Capitol building 400 High Street Jackson, MS 39201 Serial Number: 33 Can I ring …
Missouri Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Missouri Liberty Bell replica Location: On the north side of the Missouri State Capitol grounds, next to the Law Enforcement Memorial 201 W Capitol Avenue …
Michigan Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Michigan Liberty Bell replica Location: Constitution Hall 525 W Allegan Street Lansing, MI 48933 Serial Number: 19 Can I ring it? It’s in ringing condition, …
Louisiana Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Louisiana Liberty Bell replica Location: In front of the old Arsenal Museum 900 Capitol Lake Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Serial Number: 39 Can I …
Kentucky Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Kentucky Liberty Bell replica September 6, 2023: Julie Maio Kemper told me the bell will be shipped out for conservation this week. It will return …
Tokyo Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Tokyo Liberty Bell replica Location: Hibiya Park, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 1 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0012, Japan Serial Number: 50, 55 or 56 Can I …
Indiana Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Indiana Liberty Bell replica Location: Inside the Indiana War Memorial and Museum 51 E Michigan Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Serial Number: 10 Can I ring …
Idaho Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} Idaho Liberty Bell replica Location: Front entrance of the Idaho State House 700 W Jefferson Street Boise, ID 83720 Serial Number: 22 Can I ring …
Georgia Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Georgia Liberty Bell replica Location: Liberty Plaza, across from the rear of the Georgia State Capitol 206 Washington Street SW Atlanta, GA 30334 Serial Number: …
U.S. Treasury Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} U.S. Treasury Liberty Bell replica Location: At the west entrance of the U.S. Treasury Building 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20220 Serial Number: 55 …
Arkansas Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Arkansas Liberty Bell replica Location: North side of the Arkansas State Capitol grounds 1401 W. Capital Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201 Serial Number: 27 Can …
Alabama Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Alabama Liberty Bell replica Location: South Capitol grounds, facing Washington Avenue 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 Serial Number: 38 Can I ring it? No. …
Alaska Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Alaska Liberty Bell replica Location: Front entrance of the Alaska State Capitol Building 120 E 4th Street Juneau, AK 99801 Serial Number: 2 (most likely) …
Fort Collins Mini Liberty Bell
{reading time: 2 minutes} Thanks to an inside connection at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, I was able to visit this adorable little mini Liberty Bell replica. …
Independence Hall: Home of the Founding Fathers — Rapid City, SD
{reading time: 2 minutes} En route to our Lake Superior summer vacation, we decided to take the scenic route from from Colorado to Minnesota. On our way from Wall, SD …
North Dakota Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 2 minutes} North Dakota Liberty Bell replica Location: Offsite storage facility Bismark, ND Serial Number: 41 Can I ring it? No. Hours: By appointment only Visits: Please …
California Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Sacramento, CA — Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012.
Colorado Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: 3 minutes} My quest to see all the bells started, accidentally, with the Denver Liberty Bell replica. In 1996 I moved from Philadelphia to Colorado. The following year, …
Connecticut Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} The Connecticut Liberty Bell is located in the State Capitol building in Hartford, CT. The building is architecturally stunning, filled and topped by large sculptures …
New Jersey Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} The New Jersey Liberty Bell can be found in Perth Amboy. The building in the background is the oldest City Hall in continuous use in …
30 down, 27 to go
{reading time: < 1 minute} The Goal: Visit all of the 1950 Liberty Bell replicas. According to the Liberty Bell Museum: In 1950, the United States Department of the Treasury …
The Original – Philadelphia
{reading time: < 1 minute} Date of Visit: May 3, 2011 Location: Liberty Bell Center, 600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Iowa Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Date of visit: December 29, 2008 Location: Iowa State Capitol, Grand Ave. and E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA
Truman Library Liberty Bell replica — Independence, Missouri
{reading time: < 1 minute} January 2008 Located at the Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence MO
Maryland Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Flying into Baltimore on our way to visit my folks in Delaware, we stopped off in Annapolis Maryland to bag the bell. It’s on the …
South Dakota Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Tom and Rocky – South Dakota State Capitol Date of Visit: December 23, 2006 Location: 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD
Philadelphia 2005
{reading time: < 1 minute} DLiberty Center – Philadelphia. Tom, Ava Ringerud, Dawn Putney Dayle Putney and Ava Ringerud
Minnesota Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Date of visit: January 18, 2004 Location: Minnesota State capitol – 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN. Ava Frances Ringerud …
Tennessee Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Nashville, Tennessee Liberty Bell Replica Date of visit: December 5, 2003 Location: Tennessee State Capitol, 600 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN
Utah Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Date of visit: August 15, 2003 Location: Utah State Capitol (inside) – 350 North Main Street Salt Lake City, UT
Nevada Liberty Bell replica
{reading time: < 1 minute} Nevada Liberty Bell replica Location: Nevada State Museum (outside the front entrance on the right side) 600 N Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701 Serial …
Resolute
{reading time: < 1 minute} It’s two minutes to midnight on 2020’s last day. I’m sipping a Surly, slouching on a couch somewhere south of comfortable and clean. Dawn’s five …
Comma chameleon
{reading time: < 1 minute} My parents, Batman and Robin raised me to be frugal. 238 words on the Oxford comma — in which I reference Elf, Spinal Tap, Culture …
Kick it
{reading time: < 1 minute} I can be particular about things. Such particularities can present as significant personality flaws, so I look for more benign things to be particular about. …
Relax
{reading time: < 1 minute} Reflections on a week at sea. A week ago, I shipped my first of 30 daily essays as part of Ship30for30. I’ve had some fun, …
Elevation
{reading time: < 1 minute} Some of the most valuable skills I learned in college were outside the classroom. Through the summer and holidays, I worked as a porter at …
The Air
{reading time: < 1 minute} Dawn and I woke up in Wall, South Dakota this morning. Wall makes for a nice halfway point on our regular road trips from Colorado …
Heavy
{reading time: < 1 minute} The weight. 2020 was heavy. So heavy, it didn’t start until March and still lasted 16 months (and counting?) Is it over yet? I suppose …
On Principle
{reading time: < 1 minute} Cold turkey. My grandmother quit smoking in her seventies. Cold turkey. Not because smoking is gross. Not because her friends were dying. Not to eke …
Appreciation
{reading time: < 1 minute} There’s no skill to art appreciation. You like what you like. If you want to sound fancy, you can toss out words like trompe-l’œil, juxtaposition, …
BunBun
{reading time: < 1 minute} BunBun knows what you fear. BunBun eats fear. And craps confidence.