September 19, 2024

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota's Liberty Bell replica is now on view at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. After being stored in the state museum collections since 2015, the full-size bronze replica now offers visitors a connection to a significant symbol of American independence.

The state received the replica bell as a part of a 1950 U.S. savings bond drive in which bells were gifted to each state as a promotional strategy. Before making its way to the North Dakota Capitol, the bell toured the state on a Ford flatbed truck. The initiative generated a national total of $6.5 billion in U.S. savings bonds to help cover costs of World War II.

"North Dakotans did their part to support the national savings bond drive. This is a tangible artifact speaking to that effort," commented Kimberly Jondahl, Audience Engagement & Museum Department director. "The bell also serves as an introduction to a State Museum exhibition currently being developed about North Dakota's role in our country starting 250 years ago. We will be highlighting happenings in this region at that time through how our state continues to evolve."

The bell was on exhibit in the North Dakota Capitol from 1950 to 1982, and then displayed at Century High School in Bismarck from 2001 to 2015.

"The Liberty Bell replica is a tangible connection to the ideals that have shaped our nation," said Rachael Howard, ND250 Coordinator. "As we prepare to commemorate the country's 250-year anniversary in 2026, this replica bell helps connect our state to the ongoing national story."

The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Find upcoming events at history.nd.gov/events.

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Kara Haff, 701.328.3547

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