The idea of creating a bell for the Smithsonian is not new. James Renwick included a bell tower in his original architectural plans for the Smithsonian Castle. It also appears to have been the intent of the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to install a time-keeping bell, because in 1851 they formally authorized the Smithsonian Secretary to obtain a clock and bell for the Castle. The dedication and first ringing of the new bell August 10, completed Renwick's vision of a bell on one of the towers of the building. The bell is a gift of the A.T. Cross Co. (Smithsonian Photo by Alan Hart)
Replacing the Clock Hands - The hands on the clock in the Smithsonian Castle were replaced as part of the celebration events, and in conjunction with the raising of the new Smithsonian Bell. (Smithsonian Photo by Jeff Tinsley)
The new hands on the Smithsonian Tower Clock point to noon for the first ringing of the Smithsonian Bell. The new bell, which was dedicated as part of the 150th Birthday celebration, will ring hourly. (Smithsonian Photo by Eric Long)
The creation of the Smithsonian Bell was made possible through the generosity of A.T. Cross Co., which is also celebrating its 150th anniversary in 1996. The inscription on the bell reads: "For the increase and diffusion of knowledge; gift of the A.T. Cross Company to the Smithsonian Institution in our 150th year 1996." (Smithsonian Photo by Richard Strauss)
The new Smithsonian Bell is carefully straped into place and readied for a crane to lift it to the top of the Castle Tower.(Smithsonian Photo by Beth Laakso)
The new Smithsonian bell is lifted carefully towards the top of the castle while the crowd below waits for the noon.(Smithsonian Photo by Jeff Tinsley)
Smithsonian Secretary I. Michael Heyman, Under Secretary Constance B. Newman, Provost Dennis O'Connor and other dignitaries watch as the new Smithsonian Bell is lifted to the top of the Castle tower. (Smithsonian Photo by Kim Nielsen)
The bell nears the top of the Smithsonian tower. (Smithsonian Photo by Lorie Aceto)
Dangling from the crane high above the Castle tower, the new Smithsonian Bell is lowered into place.(Smithsonian Photo by Jeff Tinsley)
The bell is carefully lowered onto the top of the tower. Johnson Crane Service, Inc., which donated its services to the Institution for the event, used a specially designed rig to hoist the bell.(Smithsonian Photo by Mark Avino)
After arriving safely at the top of the tower, the new Smithsonian Bell is mounted and prepared to ring.(Smithsonian Photo by Eric Long)
Workers on the top of the Castle tower cover their ears as the new Smithsonian Bell rings for the first time at noon, August 10, 1996. (Smithsonian Photo by Eric Long)
The audience for the opening ceremonies stand and watch the Smithsonian Bell on a large television monitor while it rings above for the first time. (Smithsonian Photo by Dane A. Penland)
A new Smithsonian flag was also unveiled at the ceremonies. The design, which highlights the Smithsonian sunburst, is divided into quadrants of alternating blue and gold. The sunburst is centered on a circle of contrasting backgrounds, set off on rectangular fields. The new design is the result of a collaborative effort between Rick Stamm, keeper of the Castle Collection, and Mary Wiedman, a designer with the Smithsonian's Office of Exhibits Central.
The Smithsonian's new flag, redesigned in honor of the 150th anniversary, flies below the American Flag on the Smithsonian Castle's main tower. (Smithsonian Photo by Eric Long)
Many of the visitors to the Mall during the celebration took advantage of the opportunity to become Smithsonian members.
Return to Smithsonian Photographic Services Home Page