Day 6 - Chester Springs, PA to Bethlehem, PA

Today we drove from Chester Springs PA to Bethlehem, PA by way of Philadelphia and Plumsteadville, Pa, where the Malmark Bell Factory is.  On the way out of Chester Springs, we drove by Valley Forge. While in Philadelphia, we were able to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin's burial place, and Betsy Ross's home where she made American flags during the Revolutionary War.

We are lucky to have Trudy with us. She used to be a history teacher and knows all about these things.

This is the Christ Church cemetery where Benjamin Franklin is buried.

Betsy Ross tells us about making the American flag and how to cut the six-pointed star.

The Malmark Factory is one of three handbell factories in the world! One is in England and the other is about 20 minutes from the Malmark Factory. Many of our bells are Malmark bells or have been refurbished by Malmark. The ringers were SO EXCITED for this part of the trip! We got a personal tour of the factory and saw how the bells were made from start to finish.
Tomorrow we leave for a concert in Shelton, CT by way of the beach!

Notes from the Ringers:

Without a doubt, the best part of yesterday was going to the Malmark handbell factory. Watching the instruments we play be created before our very eyes was an amazing experience that I will never forget.-  Jon

Yesterday was amazing in every aspect. While exploring Philadelphia I was put into a group with Marit and Erik Sawyer. I had never really gotten to talk to the Sawyers before and getting to know some of our chaperones better was definitely my favorite part. Marit and I will definitely get along just fine! -Kay

Yesterday was amazing we got to see the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s grave, and the best part the Malmark handbell factory. That was probably the best part. It was really cool to see how much work and effort go into making our bells. Who knew  there was so many steps to it? All the chaperones were like “Have you even seen so many teenagers get so excited about bells or traveling cases?” But we were all so excited, it was awesome and probably my favorite part so far. -Alicia G.