In 1962, the members of Zion’s church and the wider community came together to build a shrine testifying to our unique role, safeguarding America’s most sacred symbol of freedom. The area underneath the church was excavated, exposing the original foundation (which is pictured above in the header of this web site.) The State of Pennsylvania entrusted us with its replica Liberty Bell.
Through the years, elementary school teachers enhanced their local history curriculum with visits to the Liberty Bell Shrine. Scout troops visit to fulfill history badge requirements. Indeed, hundreds of thousands from the Lehigh Valley and around the world have visited and learned the story of the journey of the bells from Philadelphia to Allentown.
In recent years, our educational purpose and mission have expanded, and the State Department of Education has designated us an Education Improvement Organization. Now known as the Liberty Bell Museum, this hidden gem in center city Allentown has changing exhibits, lecture series, historical re-enactments and events in partnership with Zion’s Church, a ½ scale replica (child-sized) Conestoga wagon, as well as that holiday favorite, Pip the Mouse.
Staff
Joshua Knappenberger
Museum Director
Stephanie Burke
Museum Manager and Tour Guide
Jerry Still
Tour Guide
Jim Mindock
Tour Guide
Board Members
President: Dr. Dennis Blankowitsch
Vice-President: Joseph Hoffman
Treasurer: Michael Pickett, Buckno Lisicky and Company
Secretary: Ann Wertman
William Campbell
Elaine Charron
Shirley Christman
Chris Cocca
Gerri Falk
Radell Ludwig
Richard Ludwig
William Remo
Rev. Robert Stevens, Zion’s “Liberty Bell” Church
Michael Welsh, A.C. Thompson Insurance
A. James Shedlauskas – Emeritus Member
