On Sunday, September 12th, the State of Franklin Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), are hosting their Eighth Annual Bell Ringing in honor of Constitution Week. The event will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Hill School, located at 214 East Sabin Drive in Jonesborough across from the Jonesborough Public Library. The program will focus on the history of the First Amendment to the Constitution that reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The program will honor the freedom of religion with Reverend Samuel Doak’s speech at the Battle of Kings Mountain, the freedom of the press, and the freedom of assembly. Several heritage groups will be participating, including the Kings Mountain NSSAR, the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, and participation from other local chapters of the NSDAR. Another treat of this year is the ringing of a very large locally restored antique bell cast in Ohio, and believed to have rung in church members for worship in upper East Tennessee.
The event will follow CDC guidelines. Social distancing will be observed on the lawn of the schoolhouse, and there is plenty of space for guests to spread out. Please bring your own chair and a bell to ring! Seating will not be provided on site. Oak Hill School is currently undergoing a restoration funded through a preservation grant from the NSDAR. The historic building was a school and a site of assembly, so it’s the perfect location to celebrate the First Amendment and the Constitution.
The Daughters of the American Revolution began the tradition of celebrating the Constitution. In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was adopted by Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The State of Franklin Chapter of the NSDAR has been based in Jonesborough since 1929.
