While the bell ringing is a nationwide event, in Petaluma the tradition was begun in 1962 by Helen Putnam, who invited the neighbors over to ring the bell at her home on the corner of B and Fair Streets. She served lemonade and cookies. After her death the bell was donated by her son to the Petaluma Museum, who elected to follow the Fourth of July tradition, including the lemonade and cookies after the Ceremony in the Garden Court.
The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum is located at 20 Fourth Street. Please phone 707-778-4398 or visit link below for more information.