In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of Independence and, to mark the occasion, bells will erupt in a cacophony of sound from sea to shining sea. Amid this tintinnabulation, the thundering tolls of a new bell will be heard for the very first time: the U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell.
Plans for a new American bell
The National Bell Festival has established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell Committee to plan the casting 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. It will ring for the first time on our nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
The bell will take as its theme Abigail Adams' plea to “Remember the Ladies” by highlighting 250 years 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 quarter millennium.
A patriotic clangor across the nation
As in celebrations past, like the centennial of 1876 and the bicentennial of 1976, bells will feature prominently in community events and national moments of commemoration. 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. Details on the official ringing calendar will be announced soon.
Want to 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.
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.
Cover image: A 1916 photograph by Harris & Ewing of women gathered around the Justice Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell, to campaign for women's suffrage. Courtesy: Library of Congress.
