PHOTO PROVIDED The first semiquincentennial bell was recently installed at the Dennis Farm in Susquehanna County. The Farm was settled over 200 years ago by free African Americans.

BELLEFONTE — As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Bellefonte may soon ring in the milestone with a commemorative bell in the heart of Talleyrand Park.

As part of its preservation mission, the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) plans to place permanent bronze commemorative bells across the Commonwealth to highlight historically significant locations.

A natural choice for a commemorative bell due to its deep historical ties, Bellefonte played a significant role throughout the development of both Pennsylvania and the country. Once considered a contender for the state capital, the community was home to several Pennsylvania governors throughout its storied history.

The park itself is named for French ambassador Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord, who, legend has it, exclaimed “La belle fonte!” (“beautiful fountain”) upon seeing the Big Spring. A French statesman, Talleyrand was instrumental in developing the relationship between the United States and one of its first and closest allies — France.

Established by the state legislature and governor in 2018, the commission is charged with planning and coordinating the commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and Pennsylvania’s integral role in its founding.

The bell, proposed for installation at a yet-to-be-confirmed location in Talleyrand Park, will be purchased by the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society using a grant from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

“The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society has an application in process for the Bellefonte bell,” wrote Communications Director for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Ed Stoddard. “We have worked in concert to make sure that there is no financial responsibility to the Borough of Bellefonte to place the bell.”

Although the bureau has assured that there will be no cost to the borough, Stoddard noted they may request some in-kind assistance when it comes time to place the monument.

Each bell weighs approximately 75 pounds and will need to be secured using concrete blocks or other stabilizing materials, such as sandbags, depending on the chosen display location.

Three Bells Across Pennsylvania have already been funded and ordered for locations in Centre County: Curtin Village, Centre Furnace Mansion and Philipsburg. Two additional bells are proposed for Bellefonte and Boalsburg.

“The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has promised to help promote the America250PA Bells Across Pennsylvania locations in all 67 counties,” Stoddard added. “We are working collaboratively to have multiple locations to promote in Centre County. Each location has significant historical importance in the United States and is currently a tourist attraction within Centre County.”