In September of 2016, the Freedom Bell from the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg traveled to Washington, D.C. where it was rung by President Barack Obama during the opening ceremony of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
That month, the bell was removed from the church bell tower for the first time in 60 years utilizing a crane, the first step of its historic journey to Washington.
The storied First Baptist Church of Williamsburg was formed by free and enslaved African Americans in 1776.
Spain Commercial, Inc. was honored to assist in this historical moment, assisting with the removal and packaging of the 510-pound bell to ensure its safe travel.
