We’ve partnered with America250PA as they make their way through all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. They’re spreading the word about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and Pennsylvania’s unique role as the birthplace of democracy in America. Stay tuned right here for news and updates from the America250PA team.
America250PA Dedicates Semiquincentennial Bell At The Hawley Silk Mill In Wayne County
America250PA, in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, has installed a permanent Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill in Wayne County in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The second Semiquincentennial Bell that America250PA has installed across Pennsylvania, is found at the Hawley Silk Mill, which has been a vital part of the Wayne County area since 1880. Along with the original Bellefonte Silk Mill, the property, which is preserved by Settlers Hospitality, also includes the Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery and Ledges Hotel, the latter of which used to be a glassware factory. The Hawley Silk Mill has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010.
Telling unique Pennsylvania stories
“The America250PA Semiquincentennial Bells lift up the stories of communities that have been untold or not widely known yet shaped the history here in the Commonwealth,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “America250PA is proud to have dedicated its second Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill to highlight the remarkable work of the individuals—immigrants, primarily women—who helped forge this great nation during the Industrial Revolution right here in Pennsylvania.”
“We are honored to be the second location in the Commonwealth for a Semiquincentennial Bell,” said Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “Huge thanks to our community members and businesses that donated to make this vision a reality. Together we raised nearly a half million dollars to create a lasting legacy to our history, which was forged through immigrant grit and ingenuity. The new memorial park and Semiquincentennial Bell in the shadow of the Hawley Silk Mill harkens our rich heritage and symbolizes all that can be achieved in the future.”
As a way of celebrating Pennsylvania and Wayne County’s roles in America’s history leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, the bell is inscribed with the following message: “In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here.”
The women and children that worked at the Hawley Silk Mill were vital in leading to the development of the labor movement, ensuring safer working conditions, child labor laws, and mandatory public education.
Wilkes-Barre based firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the Semiquincentennial Bell site at the Hawley Silk Mill. They also designed the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, and helped repurpose the Hawley Silk Mill to its modern state.
To learn more about America250PA and the Semiquincentennial Bell project, visit https://www.america250pa.org/.
To learn more about Settlers Hospitality, visit https://settlershospitality.com/.
To learn more about the Hawley Silk Mill, visit https://hawleysilkmill.com/semiquincentennial-bell
