Bell sculptures depicting Butler County landmarks unveiled
While Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, an initiative has been started to give all 67 counties across Pennsylvania their own bell for the 250th anniversary of the country.
America250PA’s Bells Across PA initiative made its stop in Butler County to unveil two fiberglass bell sculptures depicting the sights of the region. One will stay at the Butler County Courthouse while the other will go to the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.
The courthouse also served as the location of the bells’ unveiling on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4.
Each bell is adorned with designs created by county artists representing the region in their own unique styles.
The Butler County Heritage Bell, created by Paula Slomer, depicts 10 or so landmarks across the county as stamps, such as the Old Stone House, Moraine State Park and the county courthouse itself.
“These photographs are all photographs that I took over the years,” Slomer said. “And I was very happy to have one of the Bantam building.”
She said the hardest parts of designing the bell were sticking to specifications and picking out only a few landmarks to represent the entire county.
“So coming up with heritage, what is in the background of this? Well, Moraine State Park, our biggest attraction. But they wanted agriculture in there and the oil industry. Just trying to get from all different places in the county,” Slomer said.
The Butler Bell was designed by Tom Panei and depicts a more abstract depiction of Butler County. It prominently featured the courthouse, a shining sun, music notes and more.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to do the bell and it’s a pleasure to put my spin on things in my style and have it be seen by everyone,” Panei said.
Leo Malsky, director of operations for America250PA, thanked Experience Butler County and FirstEnergy for sponsoring the unveiling. He said the bells are just one way the organization plans to reach every Pennsylvanian.
“These fiberglass bells may not ring, but they’re far from silent. Each one tells the story about community, creativity and pride,” he said.
County Commissioner Leslie Osche gave attendees a look back at the county’s origins using a passage from “The Old Home Week Book — History of the Village of Prospect.“
“’The nature, undisturbed for ages, had brought upon and beneath the surface in preparation for the time when the hand of industry should cause the one to bloom as a garden and the other give up its stores of untold wealth,’” Osche quoted.
She said this account has since been realized between agricultural, industrial and cultural innovations throughout the decades — from the oil boom to natural gas deposits to the Bantam Jeep and more.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who were brave. Who took those chances. Who throughout these 250 years made good on that hard-fought liberty by working hard, getting educated and building on this glorious land,” Osche said.
Other speakers included state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, and Robi Lombardo, FirstEnergy regional manager of external affairs.
Amy Pack, who serves as both president of Experience Butler County and as the county adviser to America250PA, said the goal with the bells was to showcase some of the locations and points of note in the county’s history.
“We’re excited for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the bell for years to come,” she said. “We look forward to the special events to come in 2026 to commemorate the America250PA celebration in Butler County.”
Looking forward, Osche said she and the other commissioners are excited to be a part of recognizing the semiquincentennial here both through countywide and local events.
“The symphony is certainly doing their thing, but certainly from a county standpoint, we’re looking forward to all the various community celebrations. I know every small town and community is going to have its own exciting celebration,” she said.
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Attendees of the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse stand with the two new bells on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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State Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, gives remarks during the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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FirstEnergy regional manager of external affairs Robi Lombardo speaks during the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Artist Tom Panei talks about getting the opportunity to work on the Butler Bell during the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse, on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Artist Paula Slomer talks about her work on the Butler County Heritage Bell during the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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The Butler County Heritage Bell was unveiled at the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Symphony executive director Edward DeSantis, center left, and Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, center right, attend the America250PA bell dedication at the Butler County Courthouse on Thursday, Dec. 4. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
