PLA member Independence Historical Trust, in partnership with Independence National Historical Park, recently celebrated a momentous occasion—the re-opening of the rehabilitated Benjamin Rush Garden, now the proud home of the Bicentennial Bell. Originally presented by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976 to mark the United States' 200th birthday, the Bell has found a fitting location in a garden inspired by 18th and 19th-century transatlantic plant exchanges.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 12th, was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the many individuals who made this project possible. Despite the drizzly weather, reminiscent of a typical English day, the atmosphere was one of celebration and reflection.
The Benjamin Rush Garden is part of Independence National Historical Park, located at the site of Dr. Benjamin Rush's home. Dr. Rush, known as the father of American psychiatry and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, would undoubtedly appreciate the garden's historical significance and its connection to both American and British horticultural traditions. The garden was meticulously redesigned to accommodate the Bicentennial Bell after its original bell tower was demolished in 2013 to make way for the Museum of the American Revolution.
Landscape designer Bryan Hanes thoughtfully selected plants that would have been traded between Great Britain and her North American colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors will find flowering hydrangea shrubs from the New World and hypericum (St. John’s Wort) from the Old World, symbolizing the rich botanical exchange between the two nations. London planetrees, hybrids of American and Old World sycamores, elegantly border the garden along 3rd and Walnut Streets.
The garden is open to the public, and future plans include interpretive signs that will share the story of the Bell and the historical relationship between the United States and Great Britain.
Independence Historical Trust’s efforts have not only revived a historic garden but have also created a space for contemplation and reflection on the enduring values of freedom and democracy. As Superintendent Sims aptly stated, it is ultimately the visitors who will determine the garden’s relevance, as they engage with its history and beauty.
The re-opening of the Benjamin Rush Garden, with the Bicentennial Bell as its centerpiece, stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of those who cherish and preserve our shared heritage.