47th Anniversary National Bell Ringing Commemorating Signing of Declaration of Independence
To memorialize the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Perth Amboy and the Proprietary House Association will have a short lecture on and refreshments on Saturday, July 4th at the Royal Governor's Mansion at 149 Kearny Avenue at 12:30 p.m. A procession to City Hall Circle will be led by colonial era reenactors, where there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Promptly at 2:00 p.m., Mayor Wilda Diaz will ring the liberty bell 13 times.
This event is free and open to the public.
History:
In 1950, the United States Department of the Treasury assisted by several private companies selected Paccard Foundry in Annecy-le-Vieux, France, to cast 55 full sized replicas of the liberty bell. The bells were shipped as gifts to states and territories of the United States and the District of Columbia, to be displayed and rung on patriotic occasions. This was part of a savings bond drive held from May 15 to July 4, 1950, with the slogan "Save for Your Independence."
Since Perth Amboy was the capital of East Jersey, the bell for the State of New Jersey is located in City Hall Circle in Perth Amboy. On the 4th of July, the bell is rung 13 times at 2:00 p.m. (one ring for each of the 13 colonies).