Butler County Dedicates Two Liberty Bells Ahead of America 250 Celebration

America250 (A250) is a nationwide initiative to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. According to the official A250 website, the goal is to “inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.”

The Pennsylvania office created the America250PA’s Bells Across PA initiative to celebrate the history of the state’s 67 counties. On Thursday, December 5, 2025, Experience Butler County joined county and state representatives to unveil two fiberglass bell sculptures.

The America 250 PA Butler Committee (Amy Pack, Tammy Shuey, Denise Etter, Martha Eberhardt, and Justin Griffith) worked extensively with the America250PA office to organize this dedication.

“These fiberglass bells may not ring, but they’re far from silent. Each one tells the story about community, creativity, and pride,” said A250PA director of operations Leo Malsky at the dedication.

The Butler County Heritage Bell and The Butler Bell were designed respectively by EBC Creative Director Paula Slomer and local artist Tom Panei. Both include iconic images from Butler County and its history.

“My goal was to create a comprehensive visual narrative of our county. The bell is grounded in the natural beauty of Moraine State Park and our vital agricultural heritage,” said Paula Slomer of her inspiration. “The design honors our essential historic landmarks and celebrates our legacy of innovation, including our most famous invention, the American Bantam Jeep.”

Other recognizable images on the “Butler County Heritage Bell” include Washington’s Trail 1753 road signs and the Roebling workshop, where wire rope was invented by John Roebling—a crucial innovation he would later use to build the Brooklyn Bridge.

Panei’s “The Butler Bell” included abstract depictions of downtown Butler in his unique style. The bell was sponsored by the utility company FirstEnergy.

“I wanted to incorporate the arts of Butler County with iconic landmarks, and put my own spin on things,” said Panei of his design “I wanted to represent the art scene.”

One bell will remain on display at the Butler County courthouse, while the other will be displayed at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.

Commissioner Leslie Osche, Representative Stephanie Scialabba, Senator Elder A. Vogel, and EBC President Amy Pack also spoke at the unveiling.

Photos of the bells from across PA can be viewed on the America250PA Website, and the two Butler County bells will remain on display through December of 2026.