Contact: Kevin Ramler, 307-286-5952; kevin.ramler@
Wyoming State Museum to Welcome Back Wyoming's Liberty Bell
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 6, 2025 – On May 7, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources will proudly reintroduce Wyoming's Liberty Bell at the Wyoming State Museum, marking an important step in celebrating American history.
"This project is part of a broader initiative by Governor Mark Gordon's Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to honor and showcase our nation's rich history and Wyoming's contributions to it," said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. "Restoring the Wyoming Liberty Bell for public display symbolizes an exciting kickoff for many projects and activities being planned across the state to celebrate our nation's heritage as we approach America’s 250th anniversary."
Tradition holds that America's Liberty Bell rang out on July 8, 1776, to summon the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Originally cast in 1751, the bell bearing the inscription from Leviticus, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," has held different meanings throughout US History. The bell was first called "The Liberty Bell" by abolitionists in their initial attempts to end slavery.
Although it is unclear when a crack first appeared in the Liberty Bell, the crack that rendered it mute occurred when a repair failed after it was rung to commemorate the birthday of the late President George Washington on February 23, 1846.
After America's Civil War, the one-ton bell was toured across the country, hoping to unite citizens of a broadly divided nation and remind them of a time when Americans fought together to secure their rights.
During the Truman administration in the 1950s, copies of the Liberty Bell were made and given to each state as an inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bond Independence Drive. These bells were identical in dimension to the original bell, but the iconic crack on the bell was painted onto the copies. After being presented with its replica, Wyoming kept its Liberty Bell on display at the grounds of Wyoming's State Capitol Building until 2018, when it was placed in storage due to renovations.
"It is a tangible reminder of our shared heritage as Americans and the rights and duties we have the obligation to maintain," says Kevin Ramler, director of the Wyoming State Museum. "We are excited for it to be shared with the public again outside of the Wyoming State Museum before it is eventually placed in a more permanent home within the Capitol Complex."
Wyoming's Liberty Bell will be displayed in front of the Wyoming State Museum at 2301 Central Ave in Cheyenne. All are invited to visit and see this iconic piece of American history.
The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) aims to provide memorable recreational, cultural, and educational experiences that improve communities and enrich lives. For more information about SPCR, visit wyospcr.wyo.gov.
For more information about the Wyoming Liberty Bell, please contact the Wyoming State Museum at 307-777-7022. You can also learn more about the Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov.