The LIBERTY BELL has a NEW HOME!!!
Written: Nov 05 '03 (Updated Sep 29 '05)
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Pros: The bell is now closer to Independence Hall and its original home.
Cons: Unfortunately we now have to go through a thorough security process.
The Bottom Line: The Liberty Bell like the Statue of Liberty is an icon that should be seen and revered. Its new home does it justice.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Independence National Historic Park |
Isn't it a shame that the Liberty Bell, a great sign of freedom for all the world is threatened by terrorists. Well
that is now a fact of American life.
The Liberty Bell has stood in a glass home in the middle of a park green area overlooking Independence Hall since January 1st 1976. The Liberty Bell is the most visited of all Philadelphia sites. It was moved there in anticipation of the Bi-Centenial Celebrations many visitors. Taking it from the Pennsylvania State House area did two things. It freed up the Independence hall area for better tours and less crowds. It also gave the Liberty Bell its own place of honor. Its history and historic significance deserved this move. I had visited this setting a few times. Just a month ago she was moved again. This time the bell is a more secure site with more room in which to tell its story and best of all is the view you have of it and Liberty Hall. More on that later.
SECURITY
All those who enter the new building must go through security. This is being done, for at least the time being, in the old glass home of the bell. Before knowing this is where the security check is being done I asked a Ranger in the relatively new Visitors Center, "What is being done with the building." He answered, "We are not sure." It seems they really don't want to tear it down.
So for now it is being used as the security check area. Everyone must go through metal detectors. Belts with metal buckles must come off, all pockets emptied, and many people were being "wanded". I was there on Election Day, November 4th. It was pretty quiet when I went in. No line at all.
The entrance to the new home of the bell is just feet away from the old structure. You walk into the old building, get screened, and then walk out of the building and across into the new one. They are very close together. What was the front area of the old building is somewhat aligned with the back end of the new one. You walk up through the new building in the direction of Independence Hall
A NEW HOME
Being built with brick and and upper area of what looked like the green glass used in many new high rise buildings the new home looked like it was designed to fit into the surrounding landscape of Philadelphia. Inside was much the same and the way it was built you had a somewhat open feeling to the outside, yet not all glass like the old home.
The new structure is just one story high up until it gets to where the bell is. That area is higher. As I walked in I could have walked the 235' right up to the bell. It was that quiet. Instead I looked at all the displays they had telling of its history and historic significants.
There was also a short film shown on a flat plasma screen. It was not in a separate room but more in an open area. There was a screen in a side room, however, nothing was being shown on it.
THREE STORIES
Part 1
The long path to the bell is broken up with stories and pictures about the bell. It is somewhat divided into three sections. The first tells of the commissioning of the bell, how it cracked, how it was recast two times and where it was and how it was first used.
One display in this area had two small bells, one with a crack and one without. There was a place to pull and then listen to the different sounds. The last official use of the Liberty Bell was when it was rung on George Washington's birthday an 1846 celebration. That was the last time it has ever been officially rung.
Part 2
The second part tell of how it became an icon to all Americans. It tells how it became a symbol of American freedom. It also tells the story of how it was hidden under the floor boards of a church out of Philadelphia so that the British, when they occupied Philly, wouldn't melt it for weapons of war. This part of the story also describes how the issue of slavery and womans rights were tied into the Bells historic significance. Pictures during the womans suffrage movement are displayed as are pictures with Dr Martin Luther King and other notables fighting for civil rights.
Part 3
The third lesson we receive is how the Liberty Bell went from being an American icon to a world wide one. Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama are among other world wide figures in the pictures on display.
THE LIBERTY BELL
The bell was moved October 9th, 2003. it was a slow process and thousands of people were on hand to watch the move to its new home.
The building is just 50' wide. Once it gets to the area where the bell is displayed the room opens up in height to about forty feet. It is all glass behind the bell. This gives a wonderful view of Liberty Hall without any buildings behind it. If you take a photo of the bell from inside, and you can, you get the Liberty Bell, Liberty Hall, and the sky behind it.
This was very nicely planned. There is a park employee at the bell at every moment. Our guy was very informative and fielded all questions easily. Well there was a non bell question that I could not get answered while there. I'll explain.
The floor of the building is all gray granite. There is also a waving, curved granite wall within the building on just one side. In the bell area are two walls that are made of marble that are on two sides of the bell. Above our heads on the full run of the building is a yellow orange very closely grained polished wood. I could not find out what kind of wood it is. If anybody knows, please comment.
Another interesting feature is that one of the two marble walls has a huge glass panel in it. This was made so visitors could still see the bell, even after the pavilion is closed. I do not know what the night lighting on the bell is like. I was told it looks great.
More to Independence National Historic Park
This is one of those times when we wish you could still write more than one review about a destination.
I do want to mention a few other things. There is underground parking near the Visitors Center. The problem is that it is filled very early in the morning. Local business people use it and that keeps visitors out. I park in the Bourse Parking lot every time I go. It is a well marked imposing building overlooking the Liberty Bell pavilion. It's hard to miss. It's also a good place for some quick eats while touring the area. The lot is on the 4th Street side of the building and is relatively reasonably priced. It is also very close to Franklin Court. This is a great place to take the kids "underground" to see much about the great Ben Franklin and learn using some hands on displays.
VISITORS CENTER
This is the place to start your tour of Independence National Park. You will find all the help you need. Some orientation films, maps, store, restrooms and more are under the roof of this relatively new structure.
Be sure to get tickets for tours of Independence Hall. The tours run about every half hour. On weekends and summers the times can fill up. Get your free ticket early. The tour is very informative and I consider a must.
There is much to see in this area that consists of nearly twenty buildings.
For more detailed information about the rest of Independence National Park follow the link at the end of this piece.
There are nearly twenty buildings that make up the park.
Also part of the park is a restaurant that was in operation in the days of the revolution. I enjoyed dining there and I recommend it. They serve some recipes from the 1700s and the help is dressed in period costumes.
The Philadelphia Mint and Betsy Ross home are not part of the park. There are other significant sites too. They may not be clearly marked on the map given at the Visitors Center. Get another, all inclusive map, or ask one of the Rangers to mark it for you on your free map. They are in walking distance. There are also well placed signs with arrows pointing to important places to visit. I found them too small to read while driving , but they are perfect for when on foot.
We have two American flags at out home. The regular fifty state flag goes up every day. On the Fourth of July we change it out for the Thirteen Star Flag that we purchased at the Betsy Ross home.
We are proud of our heritage. Visit Philadelphia and Independence National Historic Park.
OTHER SITES and places of interest in Pennsylvania
Independence National Park details
Independance Hall
The City Tavern a historic building that is part of Independence National Park where you can dine in 1700 style.
Gettysburg National Historic Park
Hampton Inn, Gettysburg
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Valley Forge National Historic Park
Pennsylvania, A wonderful State to visit
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
New Jersey It's more than just the shore.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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