CHESTERTOWN — The Historical Society of Kent County is asking that all church bells and hand-held bells toll and ship’s horns sound 13 times — symbolizing the 13 original colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain — at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
“We want to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 and 250 years of freedom,” said Maria Wood, the historical society’s executive director.
Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, four were from Maryland — Charles Carroll III, Somerset County-born Samuel Chase, William Paca and Thomas Stone.
“Please embrace this moment of celebration and join us and all the bell ringers of Kent County in participating in America250. No matter our faith, our country of origin or our political party, the Historical Society of Kent County encourages the acknowledgement of our nation’s endurance and remembrance of those who gave their lives for our freedom,” Wood said. “Let’s celebrate our imperfect union and strive to embrace its ideals.”
The public is invited to join the Historical Society of Kent County in Chestertown’s Wilmer Park on July 4 at 2 p.m. to take part in ringing the “bells of freedom.” Small bells and flags will be distributed at Wilmer Park and at the historical society’s headquarters [the Bordley History Center] at 301 High St. in downtown Chestertown for those who don’t bring their own.
