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WILKES-BARRE \u2014 Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, on Thursday said the \u2018\u201cBells Across PA\u201d initiative is a way of inspiring connection through creativity.<\/p>\n
At a ceremony at Visit Luzerne County, America250PA unveiled a new bell sculpture as part of its Bells Across PA initiative \u2014 a statewide public art project to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.<\/p>\n
The bell, created by Nanticoke native Kyle Stratton, was sponsored by Visit Luzerne County. Stratton is the membership and marketing coordinator at Visit Luzerne County.<\/p>\n
The Bells Across PA initiative brings together artists, community partners, and civic organization to create one-of-a-kind designs for fiberglass bell sculptures \u2014 placing at least one in each of Pennsylvania\u2019s 67 counties to tell local stories and celebrate the people and places that helped shape America.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we prepare to mark 250 years of the American experiment, this initiative helps Pennsylvanians from every corner of the Commonwealth see themselves in that story,\u201d Coleman said. \u201cThe bell \u2014 titled \u2018Valley and Surrounding\u2019 \u2014 reflects the spirit of the Luzerne County community and reminds us that history is something we all have a hand in creating. Each bell represents a unique collaboration between artists, communities, and sponsors. We\u2019re proud to help bring this project to life as part of Pennsylvania\u2019s Semiquincentennial legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees at the Luzerne County unveiling included Coleman; the office of Gov. Josh Shapiro; state Sen. Marty Flynn; the office of state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver; state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and state Rep. Brenda Pugh; Luzerne County Council chairperson John Lombardo; council members Brian Thornton and LeeAnn McDermott; Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo; Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown; Visit Luzerne County Executive Director Alan Stout; and Stratton.<\/p>\n
Coleman said the Bells Across PA initiative is ongoing, with additional bell installations planned in communities across the Commonwealth through 2025 and potentially into 2026. Each bell serves as a visual tribute to Pennsylvania\u2019s vital role in American history and reflects the shared values, pride, and creativity of its people.<\/p>\n