Independence Bells of Philadelphia by Thomas Kaufmann
Written by John Robinson in the Book Review category and the Fall 2023 issue Topics in this article: American Revolution, bells, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Thomas Kaufmann
Independence Bells of Philadelphia
by Thomas Kaufmann
The History Press, 224 pp., paperback $23.99
On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the people assembled in the Pennsylvania State House yard. The bells that rang around Philadelphia expressed the feeling of celebration in such a riotous way that John Adams wrote, “The Bells rung all Day, and almost all night. Even the Chimers, Chimed away.”
Bells told citizens of the day when to go to church, when the market opened, and when to gather to hear proclamations. Even in the jail, bells told prisoners when to stop work and return to their cells.
In this book, the story of each bell begins with the cupola or steeple from which it rang. We learn why, by whom, and how each bell — whether at a courthouse, church or statehouse — was built and whether it participated in the din that Adams described.
Author Thomas Kaufmann also examines the significant buildings from which the bells rang—the Pennsylvania State House, which we now call Independence Hall; handsome Christ Church, with the city’s highest steeple; St. Paul’s, Second Presbyterian and Old Swedes churches; Carpenters’ Hall; and others. One chapter is devoted to African American houses of worship like the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and Bethel AME.
Additionally, the book recounts the removal of the city’s bells to Allentown to keep them out of the hands of the British during the Revolution and explains how the term “Liberty Bell” came into use, perhaps something of a surprise for many readers.
Kaufmann has illustrated his book with historical images, contemporary photographs, and many of his own drawings (in addition to being an author, he is an architectural historian and artist) that clearly show details, such as the bracing needed to hang a heavy bell. The book includes copious notes, a bibliography, and a helpful index.
Thoroughly researched and clearly written, Independence Bells of Philadelphia is perfectly timed as we anticipate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
John K. Robinson
Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, ret.