Bob Wagner is a part of history. A bell featuring his artwork will be displayed throughout 2026 outside the Ann B. Barshinger Welcome Center at Historic Rock Ford. The bell is part of an exhibit being held statewide in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Last year, Bob received a notice that Discover Lancaster was in search of an artist who could create artwork for Lancaster County’s bell. “I thought it sounded kind of neat, so I submitted some ideas,” says Bob, who was ultimately given the assignment and with it, a two-month deadline to complete it. 

Soon, a white, 65-pound fiberglass bell was delivered to Bob’s home. Wanting to make it resemble the Liberty Bell, he applied a gold-hued paint to the bell. As for the decorative elements, he recycled some favorite artwork he had done over the years for sites such as the Heritage Center (now downtown’s Welcome Center and the center of government when Lancaster was America’s capital for a day on September 27, 1777) and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and organizations such as the Lancaster Farmland Trust and the Lancaster Bicycle Club. New artwork was created for Historic Rock Ford and the Thaddeus Stevens house. An image of the Hunsicker Covered Bridge was created with the help of Bob’s son, who supplied drone photos of the bridge. Printed copies of the artwork were then applied to the bell using a blow torch. 

Creating Lancaster-focused artwork and illustrations has been part of Bob’s life and career since graduating from Millersville University. As part of his first job with the Lancaster County Planning Commission, Bob utilized his artistic skills to create an illustration that became the seal of Lancaster County. The familiar seal, which was commissioned for the county’s 250th anniversary in 1979, entails a folk art-style heart that is inset with a Conestoga Wagon. “I had to study blueprints to get it to scale,” he recalls of the covered wagon. “The seal is still used today, and that’s what’s on the front of the bell. If you have your voter registration card, it has the original pen-and-ink drawing on it that I did in 1979. I guess you could say they got their money’s worth,” he jokes. 

The bell is among the more than 100 that comprise “Bells Across PA,” an informal, self-guided trail that encompasses each of the state’s 67 counties. Each one is unique, colorful, intriguing and meaningful to its specific area. Bob’s bell was unveiled at Historic Rock Ford in early December and will remain on view through 2026. “Discover Lancaster will be celebrating the semiquincentennial all year long, promoting our historical sites, trails and events,” Bob explains. “It’s headlined by a free, countywide ‘America’s Passport,’ encouraging visitors to collect unique stamps at 23 historic properties and receive exclusive coupons to local businesses. The bell at Historic Rock Ford is one of the sites on this special trail.” In addition, more of Bob’s work is on display in Discover Lancaster’s art gallery. 

Now semi-retired, Bob spends his time painting and taking part in local exhibits. He’s also a devoted volunteer with WriteFace, an organization founded by Scott Hower that provides veterans and their families with creative outlets such as art, writing, poetry and more. “I’m a veteran,” he says of his service with the 103rd Medical Battalion in the National Guard, “so it means a lot to me to help my fellow vets and their families.” 

As for America’s 250th, Bob is honored to be playing a role in the festivities. “I’m very proud,” he says. “I’m a native of Lancaster, and I am happy to see my artwork [at Historic Rock Ford] and to be part of the story that can bring us all together to celebrate and have fun for the 250th anniversary.”

Historic Rock Ford is located at 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. The bell can be viewed during regular hours. Visit Historicrockford.org for details. 

Other websites of interest include: 

• Bob Wagner at Grobertwagner.com 
• Bells Across PA at America250pa.org 
• Discover Lancaster at Discoverlancaster.com 
• WriteFace at Writeface.org