News  Massachusetts Liberty Bell replica returns to Doric Hall

The Massachusetts Liberty Bell is one of fifty-three replicas cast by the US Treasury in 1950 at the Paccard Bell Foundry in Annecy, France, and distributed to all states and US territories as part of a nation-wide savings bond drive.  After its tour of the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts bell was installed in Doric Hall where it remained on view until it was moved onto the Bulfinch porch.

Since 9/11, the porch, original front doors and grand stair off Beacon Street have been closed for security reasons and as they do not meet legal codes for accessibility.  The bell was removed during construction on the porch in late 2020 and sent to local conservators where it and its original dedication plaque were cleaned and conserved.  It has recently been returned and installed on a new base in Doric Hall where it is protected from the elements and can be viewed by the public whenever the State House is open to the public.