As part of America’s 250th anniversary next year, America 250 Pennsylvania has been unveiling Liberty Bells in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth.
MONTOUR COUNTY, Pa. — Canal Park in Danville was full of people early Tuesday morning as people gathered to see the unveiling of Montour County’s custom-painted Liberty Bell, which is a part of America 250 PA’s Bells across PA series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States next year.
The bell was created by Dave Tamkus, a local artist from Shamokin.
“Geisinger reached out to me via email and said they knew of my work and asked me if I was interested in painting a bell for them, and I knew of the program already, and I was like, yes, I would love to,” said Dave Tamkus, Montour County Liberty Bell Artist.
Tamkus says he tried to count his hours while painting the bell. However, he says that went by the wayside, so his best guess is more than 70 hours. Tamkus says Geisinger gave him some ideas for the bell, and it was his job to design and execute it there.
“Find a common narrative thread to tie it all together to America 250 PA program and just the hospital and community in general,” said Tamkus.
There are 108 Liberty Bells being placed in 67 counties around the state. America 250 PA says this initiative is to get involved with local artists and communities.
“Small communities, of course, are the lifeblood of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so to be able to tell those stories which ultimately contributed to the Pennsylvania story and the American story over the last 250 years is just amazing,” said Cassandra Coleman, America 250 PA Executive Director.
Coleman says art brings everyone together, and this is a public invitation for people to come and see these bells and learn about these communities, not only if they are from there, but for people all across the Commonwealth and nationally. Especially as people come into the state next year for the anniversary as tourists. Tamkus says it is special to be a part of this history.
“I don’t take much time to stop and reflect about the things that I create and do, but having a program like this today really forces you to. It’s great to know that I’ll always be tied into America’s 250th anniversary,” said Tamkus.
To find out more about the Bell across PA art series or what events will be taking place across the state next year, visit the America 250 PA website by clicking here.