Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown is highlighting the 250th anniversary of Allentown’s Liberty Bell. “The Little Bell That Rang for Freedom” exhibit continues through July 18.

Museum Director the Rev. Joshua Knappenberger offers a brief discussion about the history of the bell followed by a tour of the exhibit led by Museum Manager Stephanie Burke. The presentation will examine the historical journey of one of Allentown’s most precious treasures.

Cast by Matthias Tommerop in 1769, the bell hung above the entrance to the church and was rung to call members to worship on Sunday mornings. The bell also rang to assemble everyone from the community whenever there was important news to share, notably for the public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Allentown on July 8, 1776.

Most recently, on Dec. 31, 2012, a large replica of Allentown’s Liberty Bell was “dropped” to mark the ending of the 250th anniversary year celebrating the founding of Allentown. It has been used for the bell drop at the center city New Year’s celebration ever since. Although many people assume it is a copy of the national Liberty Bell, the shape reveals it to be Allentown’s bell.

“It’s a great honor to commemorate such an important anniversary for an artifact with such prominence in the history of Allentown and the history of the nation while at the same time commemorating our local community standing together against tyranny for their God-given right to be free,” the Rev. Knappenberger said. There is a suggested donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children.

On July 4, come for the national bell ringing ceremony, with Allentown’s Official Mouse, Pip. The program will start at 1:30 p.m., and the Liberty Bell Replica will be rung precisely at 2 p.m.

The Liberty Bell Museum is located at historic Zion’s Church at 622 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown. Parking is available on-street or at the Community Parking Deck located at Sixth and Walnut streets. For more information visit www.libertybellmuseum.org.