Nearly 250 years ago, the bell that would become known as the Liberty Bell was hidden beneath the floorboards of Zion’s Reformed Church in what is now Downtown Allentown. It remained there for nearly nine months while British troops occupied Philadelphia.
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Allentown will bring that history back into the streets with the inaugural Liberty Bell Festival.
Every holiday season, the same question resurfaces in Pennsylvania history circles, Easton and Bethlehem tourism meetings, social media posts, and probably a few living rooms: where was the first Christmas tree displayed in America?
And if you are not asking yourself that question, why not?
History buffs and film enthusiasts alike are invited to a special screening of The Fries Rebellion, an acclaimed short film exploring the 1798–1799 Pennsylvania tax revolt that took place across Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery counties. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. in the Hellertown Historical Society’s Tavern venue, located in the lower level of the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill at 170 West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
