The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, in partnership with Zion’s Reformed UCC and the Liberty Bell Museum, dedicated an official marker at noon this month, commemorating the Liberty Bell’s hiding place.

Presenting remarks were Liberty Museum Board President Dr. Dennis Blankowitsch, Lehigh Valley historian Frank Whelan and state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16.

“This has been a long journey come to fruition,” said Liberty Bell Museum Director. the Rev. Joshua Knappenberger, “I have been at the museum for almost four years, and Pastor Bob Stevens (then Zion UCC pastor) tasked me with this project on my second day on the job.”

“It is a very exciting day for Zion’s Church, the Liberty Bell Museum, and for me, personally,” Knappenberger says.

Knappenberger credits Browne with helping him secure the PHMC marker for the site.

A replica of the iconic bell, a mural depicting its journey, historical items and artwork are on display at the Liberty Museum, which is in the basement of Zion UCC, along Hamilton Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, Allentown.

“The Liberty Bell Museum 60th Anniversary: The Diamond Jubilee” exhibition, celebrating the founding of the Liberty Bell Shrine Museum in 1962, continues through September.

The original bell was cast in 1769 and given to the Pennsylvania Legislature by Great Britain’s King George II. The 2,080-pound bell was installed in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall.

In the mid-1770s, the 13 British colonies broke with England. Independence was declared July 4, 1776.

As the British army marched on Philadelphia in 1777 to quell the American Revolution at its capitol, the Continental Congress took action to remove the Pennsylvania State House Bell, the bells of Christ Church Philadelphia, and other metal objects from the threatened city.

According to Knappenberger, it was difficult to locate two primary source materials as required in the marker’s application process because of the clandestine nature to hide the bell.

Philadelphia resident Elizabeth Drinker noted in her diary, dated Sept. 23, 1777, “All ye bells in ye city are certainly taken away.”

A Bethlehem Moravian account, written at the time in Pennsylvania-German, describes an incident where the wagon carrying the State House Bell broke down in Bethlehem at Der Platz in front of what is now The Brethren’s House. The wagon was repaired and traveled on to Northamptontown.

Northamptontown was renamed Allentown in 1838 after its founder, William Allen.

The PHMC marker states: “Liberty Bell Hiding Place. From Sept. 1777 to June 1778, the State House bell was hidden here at Zion’s Reformed Church. The Continental Congress removed Philadelphia’s bells fearing British destruction. The bell now known as the Liberty Bell was transformed into a national symbol by abolitionists.”

Liberty Bell Museum at Zion’s Church, 622 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. Gallery hours: noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. second Sunday each month, noon to 8 p.m. third Thursday each month. Information: libertybellmuseum.org; 610-435-4232.