Video:Visiting the Liberty Bell
with Elisa PupkoWhen traveling in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is an exciting and necessary stop on your trip. In this how-to video from About.com, get a brief history of the Liberty Bell and details about The Liberty Bell Center.See Transcript
Transcript:Visiting the Liberty Bell
Hi, I'm Elisa Pupko, here for About.com. I'm standing outside the Liberty Bell located at 6th & Market Street in Philadelphia.
What is the Liberty Bell?
The Liberty Bell is one of Philadelphia's most popular attractions and it's one of our country's most iconic symbols of freedom. The Liberty Bell's inscription conveys a message of liberty that goes beyond the words themselves. Since the bell was made the words of the inscription has meant different things to different people. As the official bell of the Pennsylvania State house today called Independence Hall, it has rung many times for public announcements. It strikes a note in E Flat.
The History of the Liberty Bell
The bell was cast in London England and soon cracked after arriving in Philadelphia. Local craftsman John Pass and John Stow cast a new bell in 1753, using metal from the English bell. Their names appear on the front of the bell along with the city and the date. By 1846 a same crack began to affect the sound of the bell.
The bell was repaired in 1846 and rang for a George Washington birthday celebration. But the bell cracked again and has not been rung since. The Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits about the Liberty Bell. Focusing on it's origins and it's modern day role as International Icon of freedom.
Visiting the Liberty Bell
There's no cost to see the Bell which is open Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Philadelphia is a large city and street parking can be extremely expensive and quite hard to find. It is best to park at the Independence Visitor Center underground parking garage.
For more information on the Liberty Bell please visit About.com.