“These fiberglass bells may not ring, but they are far from silent,” shared Matt Darragh, Chief of Staff for America250PA. “Each one tells a story about community, creativity, and pride.”

The Bells Across PA program was organized by America250PA, The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial that was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

“We hope the Bells Across PA project will be an opportunity for each county in Pennsylvania to not only engage local talent but to bring their county story to life,” shared Bri Farrand, Director of Branding and Design for America250PA. “We ultimately want Pennsylvanians to feel a sense of pride as they see the bells, and we’d like the art to spark an interest for those who live here.”

This initiative is open to all Pennsylvania artists from the “acclaimed to the amateur,” according to Farrand. These fiberglass bells are adorned and magically transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals. Each county and sponsor determines the location of their bell to be on display.

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Bells Across PA stopped in Mifflin County. Outside of the Courthouse stands a bell to commemorate the history of Mifflin County as well as the future.

The Mifflin County Bell unveiling was organized in partnership with Jenny Landis, Director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, on behalf of the sponsors and host location.

Sponsors of the Mifflin County bell include the Commissioners, the Historical Society, the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, and the people of Mifflin County and the bell was transformed by local artist, Jennifer Hartzler.

At the unveiling of the event dignitaries such as Representative Kerry Benninghoff, representatives from Senator Judy Ward’s office, and representatives from Representative David Rowe’s office.

“On behalf of the General Assembly, we are very very proud to be sponsors of this,” explained Benninghoff. “We turn the news on and everyone wants to about the negative things, but there are so many cool, fun things going on in Mifflin County, you just gotta pay attention. And if you haven’t had goose, get out and get some.”

Commissioner Rob Postal added, “This bell not only is a tribute to the enduring spirit of liberty, but also a reflection of our local stories, stories of perseverance, resilience, and community.”

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Forest Fisher of the Historical Society shares an interesting history of Mifflin County families with ancestral connections to signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The common theme that can be seen through artwork on the bell is that this bell not only represents our past in Mifflin County, but also points towards our future.

Jenny Landis, director of the Visitors Bureau informed the attending crowd that through the end of 2026, the Visitors Bureau will be giving out postcards “to the future” that people can write or draw on or attach a photo to make a message to the future.

At the end of 2026, all the postcards will be put in a time capsule that will be going inside the bell to be opened in 25 years.

“I like the idea that it not only is looking at our past, as you’ll see when it’s unveiled with some of our imagery, but it’s also looking towards our future,” shared Landis.

As we look forward to the future, the bell also commemorates the past; to speak on the history of our town, Forest Fisher of the Historical Society spoke at the ceremony.

Sentinel photo by LIV SUYDAM Jenny Landis of the Visitors Bureau shared that inside the bell will be a time capsule with postcards for the future.

Fisher shared stories of two Mifflin County residents with direct ancestral connections to individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence.

“There are many more stories awaiting you. So as you pass this bell throughout 2026 and beyond, remember, it’s your story, too,” explained Fisher. “Use the bell as a motivation to explore local history or even your own family’s history.”

The final speaker at the ceremony was Hartzler, who shared her vision and how the bell came together.

According to Hartzler the design for the Mifflin County Celebrates, the bell, was inspired by old photos from the Historical Society. The photos were from the mid to late 19th century parades in our town.

As Hartzler gleaned from that she “mixed in some contemporary” parade watchers to demonstrate the “push and pull between the past and future.”

Hartzler is from Belleville, where the annual Memorial Day Parade is held and the whole town shuts down to celebrate.

“When Jenny had said something about celebrating and parades, it was pretty easy for me to glean from that because my family just loves that day when the parade is coming, and it’s just a great dat of community,” explained Hartzler.

The Mifflin County bell focuses on two points of view- first person point of view, watching the history of Mifflin County “float by” and third person point of view, where the viewer gets to watch other people watching the parade.”

“As we mark 250 years of the American experiment, this belt anchors Mifflin County in that legacy,” shared Darragh. “It was imagined by a talented artist, made possible by our wonderful sponsors and, of course, you all, and placed here with purpose.”

Postal agreed, “So as we approach 2026 and this historic milestone for our nation, may this bell serve as a lasting reminder of where we’ve come from and who we are and the values that continue to unite us. So let us ring in this moment with gratitude, remembrance, and hope for the future.”

Bells will be displayed across the Commonwealth with at least one in each of our 67 counties to highlight the talent of our Pennsylvanian artists, promote tourism across the Commonwealth, and celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Once all bells are installed, America250PA will share a map for Pennsylvanians to visit all of the locations across the Commonwealth.

The Bells Across PA initiative is ongoing, with additional bell installations planned in communities across the Commonwealth through 2025 and potentially into 2026. Each bell serves as a visual tribute to Pennsylvania’s vital role in American history and reflects the shared values, pride, and creativity of its people.