A fiberglass bell, part of the “Bells Across PA” initiative, was dedicated at the Weissport Park on Sunday.

The 3-foot fiberglass depiction of Carbon County history was sponsored by the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau.

“I’m so blessed to be a Carbon County resident and work for an organization that finds projects like this so imperative for our communities,” said Marlyn Kissner, vice president of membership and community relations. “I want to thank Lynn Shupp for giving this amazing project the vision and the life, and all of our artists who contributed as well, and thanks to Jake Boyer for giving this bell a beautiful home here in Weissport.”

Shupp, a Palmerton photographer, led the committee to decorate the bell with artwork from 13 area artists and photographers, and is titled “Carbon County in a Snapshot.”

Photos include buildings such as the Schwab school, the Mahoning drive-in, the No. 9 Mine, a quilted outline of the county, landscape shapes and more.

“We paired up with Jet Signs on how to have the artwork survive outdoors,” Shupp explained. “The bell is painted black to represent the coal that is deep inside this lovely Carbon County. Why 13 artists? It is for the 13 original colonies.”

Digital images of the art were affixed to the bell. The 13 artists who contributed works are Rich George, Jeanne Stemler, Lynn Shupp, Martin Wambold, Stacey Hines, Kathy Long, Desha Utsick, Bennett Rambo, Cheryl Popek, Anne Martino, Mary Anne Shafer, Terri Sheckler and Duane Costenbader.

“Today’s event, part of the ‘Bells Across PA’ initiative, made possible through the generous support of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, brings us one step closer to placing at least one commemorative bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties ahead of the 250th anniversary in 2026,” Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, said.

The bell is mounted on a cement base in the northwestern corner of the park, next to the statue of Benjamin Franklin.

Weissport Mayor Paulette Watson thanked everyone who attended the dedication.

“Thank you, America250, for having the bell here in our park,” Watson said. “I look forward to seeing this here for many years, and it’s meant to appreciate what we’re about.”

Other dignitaries who attended the event were members of the America250PA Carbon County Steering Committee, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, Carbon County Commissioners Michael Sofranko and Rocky Ahner, America250PA Carbon County Representative Kim Werley, Weissport Borough Council, and Carbon County Controller Kayla Herman.

Members of the Lehighton Band under the direction of Brad Cressley, performed the Liberty Bell March. Panther Valley Junior ROTC provided the colors, and Lisa Snell-Kern sang the national anthem.