Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Arizona America250 Commission celebrated the return of Arizona’s Liberty Bell replica to the Arizona State Capitol with a ribbon-cutting and re-dedication ceremony unveiling the bell’s new permanent home following its yearlong journey across the state.
Earlier this year, the bell traveled more than 3,000 miles to 31 communities in all 15 Arizona counties as the centerpiece of the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, presented by Banner Health. More than 20,000 visitors toured the mobile exhibition, which combined the Liberty Bell replica with exhibits highlighting Arizona and American history.
“Over the past year, this bell traveled to communities across Arizona, but the story was always about the people who welcomed it, volunteered their time and helped make this celebration possible,” said Adrian Fontes, Arizona secretary of state and chair of the Arizona America250 Commission. “Bringing the bell home gives us an opportunity not only to preserve an important piece of Arizona history, but to thank the thousands of people who took part in this once-in-a-generation commemoration. This permanent monument is part of the legacy they helped create.”
Working alongside the commission, Sundt Construction designed and built the bell’s new ceremonial setting at the Capitol. After decades of exposure damaged portions of the bell’s former base and headstock, the company constructed a new concrete foundation and permanent display intended to preserve the monument for future generations.
Cade Rowley, president and CEO of Sundt Construction, joined Secretary Fontes and commission leaders for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Sundt apprentices also participated in the project as part of the construction effort.
“This project gave our employee-owners and apprentices an opportunity to use their craft on something that will have a lasting place in Arizona,” said Cade Rowley, president and CEO of Sundt Construction. “We’re proud to have helped create a new permanent home for the Liberty Bell that Arizonans can experience for generations to come.”
The ceremony brought together Arizona America250 commissioners, volunteers, sponsors and community partners from across the state, including representatives from government agencies, tourism organizations, libraries, museums, schools, military and veterans groups, preservation organizations and civic associations. Attendees also included Paul Rennie, OBE, British consul general.
During the event, the commission recognized Banner Health for serving as presenting sponsor of the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum and for its broader support of Arizona America250 programming.
Volunteers were also recognized for their contributions throughout the statewide commemoration. More than 300 volunteers from Lions Clubs International contributed more than 1,500 hours supporting museum stops and assisting visitors. Additional support came from cities, towns, Tribal communities, schools, libraries, museums, civic groups, nonprofit organizations and businesses throughout Arizona.
“This celebration simply would not have happened without the people and organizations that stepped forward to be part of it,” said Laura Terech, executive director of the Arizona America250 Commission. “Whether someone volunteered for a few hours, hosted the Traveling Museum in their hometown, supported a classroom activity, provided resources or helped us reach a part of Arizona we could not have reached alone, they helped make Arizona’s 250th commemoration what it was. Tonight is an opportunity to say thank you.”
Arizona’s Liberty Bell replica has been part of the state’s history since 1950, when replicas of the original Liberty Bell were distributed to states and territories through a nationwide U.S. Savings Bond campaign. Following its 2026 tour across Arizona, the newly rededicated monument now has a permanent home at the State Capitol.
