The Bells Across Pennsylvania initiative celebrates the United States’s 250th Anniversary. This project, led by America250PA, places unique, artist-designed replicas of the Liberty Bell in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. Perry County’s bell, sponsored by Perry County Economic Alliance, was unveiled at the Perry County Tourism & Business Office in New Bloomfield on November 17 and will remain on display through 2026. The PCEA collaborated with the Perry County Economic Development Authority to select artist Jessica Burkholder to create the bell that will be on display at the Center. Jessica’s bell design, Pursuing Happiness, honors Perry County’s evolving identity by weaving together its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and community traditions. Through richly detailed illustrations, the bell invites viewers to reflect on both the legacy and future of this rural region, celebrating its resilience, biodiversity, and cultural vibrancy.
Artist Jessica Burkholder
When I think about the world that is around me—the events, the history, the places, the people, the undercurrents to our society, the patterns and cycles of humanity—I think in pictures. In fact, it can be difficult for me to articulate in words the deeply felt emotions, grievances, connections, and—at times—the sense of contentment I feel. In my mind, images speak with boldness and clarity. Painting releases those images from my mind. My favorite medium for releasing those images is oil painting.
Possessing deep feelings is universal. I believe we offer one another ways of working through those feelings when we openly create. In this way, we can offer comfort, encouragement, healing, and the deep satisfaction of being seen to one another. I create to share. I create to build community.
About the Design: Pursuing Happiness
Both the front and back of this design pay tribute to the natural environment and geographic boundaries of the landscape. The design illustrates the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains and the water flow of the many waterways including the Susquehanna River, Juniata River, Shermans Creek, and Big Buffalo Creek to name only a few. The back of the bell focuses on local ecosystems and how residents and tourists interact with and enjoy the biodiversity of this county.
The illustration of hikers gives a nod to the many established trailways which can be enjoyed throughout the county, including the famed Appalachian Trail (AT) that brings many visitors through the area annually,
The fisherman on the back of the bell, as well as the tubers on the front of the bell, give recognition to the many ways water recreation is enjoyed in Perry County,
Pennsylvania’s state flower, is also placed on the back of the bell. Not only can this unique white and pink blossom be witnessed throughout the county every year between May and June, but the flower itself has a particularly unique feature. The blossom of the Mountain Laurel is but one petal, forming a small cup which is intricately adorned with pink stamen and small dots of color. The idea of oneness or wholeness is naturally illustrated by this flower and helps us to be thoughtful of the oneness and wholeness that exists within the communities that these blossoms surround.
The Perry County Courthouse, located in New Bloomfield, is situated in the rolling hills on the front of the bell. Both this building, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, to the left of the courthouse, are iconic symbols of this county. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, also located in New Bloomfield, was erected in 1898 to commemorate those who had, as stated on its inscription, “offered their lives as a sacrifice that the nation might live.” Although this monument is tied to those who served in the Civil War, its time capsule includes a list of all Perry County veterans of any American War up until that time.
The bell is sponsored by the Perry County Economic Development Authority and hosted by the Perry County Economic Alliance. It is on display at the Perry County Economic Development Authority office located at 9 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield.
