Bells Across America

The Joseph Spencer Chapter, NSDAR invites the community to attend Bells Across America - an event when bells here in Scioto County and across the nation will ring out to commemorate Constitution Week, September 17 - 23. The Chapter is hosting a gathering on the courthouse steps on Wednesday, September 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Bells will ring simultaneously at 4pm. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in ringing bells.

In colonial times, the ringing of church bells was often used to announce the presentation of some significant information. Bells called the people of Philadelphia together to hear the Declaration of Independence read publicly for the first time on July 4, 1776. Then, again, just over 11 years later, on September 17 bells were used to call people to hear the first public reading of our new Constitution.

Bells Across America is a re-enactment of this historic event. Across our nation at 4pm on September 17, the bells of many communities will be ringing simultaneously.

We are asking churches throughout Scioto County to participate by the continual ringing their respective bells for an uninterrupted 60 seconds.

Following the ringing of the bells, the gathering will recite the Preamble to the Constitution in unison followed by the reading of proclamations.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their bells and ring along! In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place inside the courthouse.

The DAR is asking for churches to please register by calling 740-353-7647