The Pickens County America 250 Committee invites the community to gather on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for “And the Bells Rang for Liberty: A Constitution Week Celebration,” a special patriotic observance commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution.

The event will be held on the Pickens County Courthouse Lawn by the Liberty Tree. The program will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m., culminating in the ringing of bells at 4:00 p.m.

On September 17, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia for the final day of the Constitutional Convention and signed the document that established a new framework of government for the United States. Thirty-nine delegates ultimately placed their names on the Constitution. September 17 is now observed nationally as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

The ringing of bells at 4:00 p.m. recalls the church bells of Philadelphia that rang when the Constitution was signed. Today, communities throughout the nation continue that tradition during Constitution Week, allowing the sound of bells to serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of the Constitution and the liberties it protects.

The Pickens County America 250 Committee hopes residents of all ages will come together for this meaningful occasion.

“The Constitution is more than a document preserved in our nation’s archives. It is a living reminder of the principles upon which our government was built and the liberties entrusted to each generation. On September 17, we will gather as a community, remember the moment our Constitution was signed, and let the sound of bells once again proclaim the cause of liberty.”

Families, students, veterans, civic organizations, historical groups, churches, and citizens throughout Pickens County and surrounding communities are especially encouraged to attend. Those attending are invited to join in the ringing of bells at 4:00 p.m.

As America continues its 250th anniversary commemoration, “And the Bells Rang for Liberty” offers an opportunity not only to remember an important moment in our nation’s history, but also to reflect upon the responsibility of each generation to understand, preserve and pass on the principles of constitutional government.

Come stand beneath the Liberty Tree. Come remember September 17, 1787. And when the hour reaches four o’clock, help us let the bells ring once again for liberty.

EVENT INFORMATION

And the Bells Rang for Liberty
A Constitution Week Celebration

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Pickens County Courthouse Lawn — by the Liberty Tree
Program begins promptly at 3:30 p.m.
Bells ring at 4:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Pickens County America 250 Committee