March 23, 2026 -- Lackawanna County will celebrate America250PA in style by participating in the Bells Across PA program to highlight both the rich history of our county and our commonwealth, which played a tremendous role in the formation of the United States of America.

A Call For Artists Request for Proposal was released March 17, looking to obtain demographic information on artists along with proposed designs of a commemorative bell to trace the area’s rich history and its impact on America.

“The county is very proud to participate in this historic bell project,” said Commissioner Bill Gaughan. “Pennsylvania played a significant role in the formation of our country with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the first Continental Congress held in Philadelphia. Our own area served as America’s industrial and rail backbone and that story should be incorporated in the bell project.”

“The backbone of America started in our community. The bell will capture that spirit and serve as a monument to the sacrifices made by our ancestors who forged steel for the railroads, mined coal that was shipped across the country, harvested the land, and wove tapestry for the garment industry,” explained Commissioner Thom Welby.

“America started here and the bell will capture that essence along with how our community’s outstanding art, education, sports venues and festivals honor our heritage. The artist that captures these elements will leave a special gift for generations to come to enjoy, learn from and celebrate,” noted Commissioner Chris Chermak.

“Pennsylvania is considered the birthplace of American democracy. Today, the Liberty Bell remains a prominent symbol of American democracy and a reminder of the nation's founding ideals,” offered Traci Harte, the county’s Deputy Chief of Staff.

Lackawanna County is accepting application and design submissions for the Bells Across PA art series to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this year. The artist selected will be asked to design a three-foot-by-three-foot blank ready-to-paint fiberglass bell. This program is open to all Pennsylvania artists, preferably from Lackawanna County, and ranging from amateur to acclaimed. The applicants can be painters, sculptures, craftsmen or multimedia professionals.

All information musted be submitted via email to Traci Harte, Deputy Chief of Staff, at hartet@lackawannacounty.org by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 10. Bells Across PA must be listed in the email’s subject line. Individuals must provide an application and copyright form that asks for general information, design ideas, focus area and the bell design sheets. A checklist is included in the packet, outlining all of the other necessary items that must be submitted. Artists may send in more than one design.

Several appropriate themes are listed in the RFP packet along with the county’s preferred areas/topics.

All of the designs will be reviewed by America250PA for compliance with the guidelines.

Lackawanna County’s bell will be placed on Courthouse Square, North Washington Avenue, Scranton. It must be in place by Dec. 31.

Artists, whose designs are selected, will be paid a $1,250 honorarium in two installments.