In 1926, Philadelphia staged its second world's fair to celebrate the 150th anniversary of independence in the United States, the Sesquicentennial International Exposition. Unfortunately, the fair was not a tremendous success due to low attendance - only 10 million of the expected
50 million visitors attended. Attributing to low attendance was the rain that was present on more than half the days the fair was open.

While the Liberty Bell remained in its home in Independence Hall not far from the fairgrounds its image was used repeatedly as a symbol of the Exposition. The Liberty Bell had long since come to represent liberty and freedom for the United States and using its image on Exposition souvenirs was ideal in light of the fair's theme - our nation's 150th birthday.

The Sesquicentennial Exposition featured many exciting and unusual attractions. One of the most fascinating was the elaborate gateway built at the entrance of the Exposition - a gigantic, 80 foot replica of the Liberty Bell that people, cars and trucks passed under to enter the fair! The sheet-metal Bell was covered with almost 26,000 15-watt light bulbs. Even the clapper was covered in lights.

The grand Liberty Bell entrance was featured on the Official Sesquicentennial Daily Program and Guide and on the front cover of this viewbook souvenir of the Exposition on the left.

An interesting and unusual souvenir from the Sesquicentennial is this certificate. It is a certificate of a Historical Wood Relic taken from Independence Hall. The piece of wood is in the center of the document beneath the eagle. The sealed document on the right side of the certificate is a sworn affidavit from Samuel S. Reeves, Superintendent of Independence Hall from 1892 to 1908 stating that the wood pieces used for these certificates are from timbers removed from underneath the flooring of Independence Hall during the restoration in 1897. These timbers were part of the original lumber used by Andrew Hamilton to build the Old State House or Independence Hall in the years 1732 to 1735.