BONNERS FERRY — Idaho's Liberty Bell will make a stop at Boundary County Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as part of a statewide tour commemorating America's 250th anniversary. 

The restored, full-size replica of the original Liberty Bell will be displayed on the school's front lawn, offering students and community members an opportunity to see the historic replica up close. 

Idaho's Liberty Bell was cast in 1950 as one of 55 replicas created for states and U.S. territories. The bell arrived in Idaho in May of that year and was transported by the Ford Motor Co. on a flatbed pickup during its first tour of the state. 

Bonners Ferry was among the communities visited during that original tour, with the bell displayed downtown on June 15, 1950. 

Since 1951, the bell has been located at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. 

As part of Idaho's America250 commemoration, the bell recently underwent restoration work, including the replacement of its wooden yoke and housing. The new custom-fitted yoke is made of sapele hardwood and treated with burnt linseed oil for weather protection. The housing also features a steel top plate and new anchoring brackets to improve structural strength and prevent water intrusion. 

The restoration marks the third time the bell's wooden supports have been replaced, following previous work in 2009 and 2013. 

The 2026 statewide tour began in Boise on Sept. 3 and is scheduled to conclude Oct. 31, when the bell will return to the Idaho State Capitol for reinstallation. 

The Oct. 27 visit will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the bell and its historical significance.  

Community members are also invited to attend the display on the front lawn of Boundary County Middle School. According to the tour information, the bell will be on display from 8:30 to 9 a.m. 

The visit marks 76 years since Idaho's Liberty Bell first traveled through Bonners Ferry.