Annual 4th of July Bell Ringing Ceremony

Joln us as we celebrate the 4th of July and the 18th century Delawareans who gathered in New Castle to support the signlng of the Declaration of lndependence.

Children and families of all ages, regardless of age, faith, race or ethnicity, are cordially invited to attend historic New Castle's bell-ringing ceremony, which will be held at lmmanuel Church on the Green from 1:30-2:30 pm on the 4th of July. This free annual event is part of an ongoing national ceremony. When the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped, bells in Philadelphia and across the nation will ring slmultaneously, to officially commemorate the birth of American lndependence.

Please be inside lmmanuel by 1:20 pm as the program begins at 1:30 sharp. Guests will remain seated for the pealing of the church bells at 2:00 p.m., then children, representing the thirteen colonies, will ring a smaller bell donated to the day's event by the Old Courthouse Museum.

This year's keynote speaker will be Noel H. Kuhrt whose talk is entitled. "Recognition of George Read" signer of both the Declaration of lndependence and the United States Constitution.

Mr. Kuhrt is a graduate of Dartmouth College and a retired DuPont research chemist and marketing specialist with patents in the design of industrialfilms, papers, and processing equipment. His lifelong interest in history and family genealogy led him to become Delaware State President of the Sons of the American Revolution and Governor of the Mayflower Descendants in the State of Deluware. Descended from both Captain Myles Standish and Richard Warren, he currently serves as Deputy Governor General of the National Mayflower Society.

Re-enactors, children, docents and all who love wearing 18th century garb are invited to come dressed in period attire. Ordinary casual clothing is welcomed. Visltors will enjoy exploring the graveyard where colonial settlers and Revolutionary soldiers are buried. The thirty-one Revolutionary War patriot graves, including that of George Read, will be marked with American flags.