This A-Z encyclopedia will survey the history, meaning, and enduring impact of the Liberty Bell in American culture. This title provides a one-stop resource for understanding the fascinating history and enduring importance of the Liberty Bell in the fabric of American culture, from the pre–Revolutionary War era to the present day. The encyclopedia explains key concepts, principles, and intellectual influences in the creation and display of the Liberty Bell; profiles its creators and leading champions; and surveys the place of the Bell and its home in Philadelphia's Independence Hall within the political and cultural lexicon of the nation. Additionally, it discusses important milestones and events in the bell's history and provides a sweeping overview of depictions of the Liberty Bell in historical and modern art, music, literature, and other cultural areas. It thus not only serves as a valuable resource in helping readers separate fact from myth regarding one of our nation's most potent national symbols but also provides a unique gateway for exploring the wider history of the United States.

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Each year, more than two million visitors line up near Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and wait to gaze upon a flawed mass of metal forged more than two and a half centuries ago. Since its original casting in England in 1751, the Liberty Bell has survived a precarious journey on the road to becoming a symbol of the American identity, and in this masterful work, Gary B. Nash reveals how and why this voiceless bell continues to speak such volumes about our nation.A serious cultural history rooted in detailed research, Nash’s book explores the impetus behind the bell’s creation, as well as its evolutions in meaning through successive generations. With attention to Pennsylvania’s Quaker roots, he analyzes the biblical passage from Leviticus that provided the bell’s inscription and the valiant efforts of Philadelphia’s unheralded brass founders who attempted to recast the bell after it cracked upon delivery from London’s venerable Whitechapel Foundry. Nash fills in much-needed context surrounding the bell’s role in announcing the Declaration of Independence and recounts the lesser-known histories of its seven later trips around the nation, when it served as a reminder of America’s indomitable spirit in times of conflict. Drawing upon fascinating primary source documents, Nash’s book continues a remarkable dialogue about a symbol of American patriotism second only in importance to the Stars and Stripes.

Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and have some part in helping America gain its independence. The British Army was just miles away from colonial Philadelphia, planning to invade the city and melt down all of its famous bells for cannons. The colonists were worried, they had to save the bells, especially Old Independence, now called the Liberty Bell. They finally came up with a plan – and Johnny got to help! But would it be enough to keep the bells safe?

From the British surrender in Yorktown to the Civil War to Women's Suffrage and the fight for Civil Rights, one powerful witness to American history played an important role. Discover why the old cracked bell in Philadelphia is still one of our nation's most-loved symbols.

The Liberty Bell hasn’t been properly rung since 1846 when it cracked irreparably. However, its inability to ring doesn’t diminish it as a symbol of freedom in the United States. Readers are introduced to the history of the Liberty Bell from its casting to the present day. Historical images as well as full-color, modern photographs of the bell engage readers with the story of one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols. A timeline offers an additional guide to the interesting, accessible main content.