On Wednesday, June 16, we saved the NYC Liberty bell from our belfry, and transported it to the New York Historical Society, where it will be featured in an exhibit this on the resiliency of NYC for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

A crew safely rescued the bell from the remains of our building—which was terribly damaged in a catastrophic fire December 5, 2020. Fortunately the bell was completely intact, and when we brought to the ground Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis rang the bell 19 times—commemorating both Juneteenth and the first enslaved Africans brought to this nation in 1619. The bells echoes are reminder of the yawning gulf that remains between our nation’s foundational promises, and the systemic racism that still separates us from them. And it’s a promise that we will do everything in our power to enact those dreams in law and culture. We aren’t liberated yet. But damn it, we’ll be free.

While the bell is now safe, we still have so much work to do in order to rebuild our sanctuary. If you would like help us rise from this fire in fierce love, click here to make a donation. No gift is too big or too small! We are so grateful for your support—we cannot rise without it.

New York Liberty Bell heads to historical society as Manhattan church damaged in fire rebuilds (Pix 11)

Historic bell that survived fire taken to temporary home (Associated Press)

SEE IT: Historic Liberty Bell is removed from charred East Village church (AM NY)

At fire-damaged Middle Collegiate Church, it’s moving day for the historic New York Liberty Bell (EV Grieve)

New York Liberty Bell Moves to New Home (NBC)