By Ed Blanchette
America’s 250th Birthday is happening! Right Now! Wow! A monumental milestone in time for America’s place in history. In early December of 2025, I had the privilege of observing the unveiling of one of many “artistic bells” celebrating America’s 250th birthday, this one created by G. Robert Wagner and an unveiling ceremony. Representing America250PA, Director of Strategic Partnerships – Kelly Leighton who emceed the unveiling event. She introduced the sponsor of the bell, Discover Lancaster’s President & CEO – Jeffrey Vasser, as well as Dr. Christina McSherry -Director at the Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, which hosted the event and is the featured visiting site for the artistic bell creation of the Lancaster County Bell.
Who else was there? Of course, the artist and his wife, Robert & Linda Wagner. There were many other individuals from the political landscape of Central Pennsylvania who were also on hand for the unveiling, that were involved with the process , in one form or another, in assisting in making this event come to fruition. Vice Chairman Joshua G. Parsons, Commissioner Alice Yoder, Chairman Ray D’Agostino, Representative Steven Mentzner, Representative Mindy Fee, Representative Tom Jones, Representative Nikki Rivera. In addition, there were also representatives from the respective offices of Congressman Lloyd Smucker, State Senator Scott Martin and then Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace. It was definitely a full house!
This event, known as “Bells Across PA” is a statewide art series in which local artists adorn and magically transform fiberglass bell structures in a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1776-2026. America250PA will place 108 of these artistic bell creations, which have been sponsored by businesses and individuals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania highlighting each of our 67 counties. Each unique artistic bell tells a story about community, creativity, and pride.
So, how did this all come about? Well, the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi-quincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. Bells Across PA gave artists across the commonwealth the opportunity to create and decorate a three-foot fiberglass bell to commemorate the upcoming Semi-quincentennial. Artists were invited to submit their bell ideas, with a final design chosen by the bell’s sponsor. Each bell is a unique original piece, with the goal of having at least one in each of the 67 counties. This program is interactive, encouraging visitors to touch and feel the designs on the bell, created by those artists.
Who was the artist that created the bell for Lancaster County? G. Robert Wagner – most commonly refers to a contemporary artist and graphic illustrator based in Landisville, Pennsylvania. He is recognized for his detailed pen-and-ink drawings and digital renderings of historical landmarks, particularly in Lancaster County, including the Lancaster County seal way back in 1979. Which is still in use, even today! His fine art often focuses on “meaning and purpose,” aiming to evoke thought on social and political issues through surrealism. He is well-known for his illustrations of covered bridges, which have been featured on local apparel and in regional art exhibitions. His work has appeared in Artistonish Magazine and various local galleries, including the Ware Center in Millersville. He also created a couple of covers for Amish Country News as well, in the past.
Where else can I see the different bells? Again, the bell representing Lancaster County can be found at the Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. For the other 107 remaining bells, it would probably be quicker to go online to https://www.visitpa.com/2026/bells-across-pa/ and see where they are all located. There is a map on their site that shows you exactly where each one is located and the name of each bell that was created. The bell that was created for Lancaster County is number sixteen on the list and is simply called, “Lancaster PA 250th Celebration”. There are six bells representing York County and a whopping twenty-four bells representing Philadelphia County.
So, there you have it! A grand opportunity for a summer road trip! What a way to start off your summer festivities. Kinda has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? I hope you’re able to see each and every one of those beautiful, artistic bells across the Pennsylvania Commonwealth. Happy Birthday America, here is to 250 more! The good Lord willing. Be well, be safe, and stay positive.