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"Bells of Peace" to Ring at County Museum

a wooden bench sitting in a chair

Hurleyville, NY – When World War I began in 1914, few could have imagined that between 15 and 19 million people would die, another 23 million would be wounded, and the killing would last without letup until 1918. 

In what must have seemed like a miracle to a war-torn world, the Armistice agreement, when finally signed, took effect on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. On that date in London, newspaper headlines read, “Bells Burst Forth in Joyful Chimes.” Big Ben in Westminster tolled long and loud, and its ringing was copied in belfries around the city.

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2018, Americans will have a chance to remember the sacrifices of those killed in World War I by participating in the “Bells of Peace,” a collaborative program whereby citizens and organizations are invited to toll bells in their communities 21 times.

Created in collaboration with the nation’s veterans, the bell tolling provides a reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans. Bells will toll in communities across the nation, in places of worship, schools, town halls, public carillons and cemeteries, to mark the centennial of the Armistice that brought an end to the fighting, in what many hoped would be “The War to End All Wars.”

Please join us at the Sullivan County Museum on Sunday, November 11, as we ring the “Bells of Peace.” The Sullivan County Historical Society’s bell, donated by the Woodbourne Reformed Church, will be rung 21 times at precisely 11 a.m.  

The Museum will open at 10:30 a.m. that day and remain open until 4:30 p.m. for those who would like to view the Museum’s special World War I exhibit on its final day. The Sullivan County Museum is located at 265 Main Street, Hurleyville. For more information, please call 845-434-8044 or visit www.scnyhistory.org.