Detroit Unity Bell Unveiling

Please join us for the public unveiling of the Detroit Unity Bell, restored by master craftsman Carlos Nielbock of C.A.N. Art Handworks. The bell previously sat atop Detroit's former City Hall, located in present-day Campus Martius Park.

1 PM - Detroit Unity Bell Unveiling in Shed 2

1:30 PM - Luncheon at Lagerhaus No. 5

4 PM - Luncheon Ends

The Detroit Unity Bell was originally housed in the clock tower atop Detroit’s former City Hall, at the site of current-day Campus Martius Park. First dedicated in 1871, the bell weighs 7,670 pounds and was part of the largest clock tower in the United States when it was built. Every New Year’s Eve, the ringing of the bell brought Detroiters together with a shared sense of hope.

In 1961, Detroit’s former City Hall was demolished to make way for newer buildings. Many artifacts, including the bell, were relegated to obscurity at Historic Fort Wayne. In 2007, master craftsman Carlos Nielbock of C.A.N. Art Handworks was able to locate many of these forgotten relics and campaign for their recovery. With support from Sun Communities, Eastern Market Partnership, and the Detroit Historical Society, Nielbock has fully restored the Detroit Unity Bell and installed it in the public domain.

The Detroit Unity Bell is the first official project of the Detroit Historic Recovery Authority, Nielbock’s visionary effort to recognize the accomplishments of the city’s past while educating future generations.

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Host or Publisher Eastern Market Partnership