LET FREEDOM RING
Penn State team creates virtual reality model of Liberty Bell

Have you always wanted to see the Liberty Bell, but can’t find time to make the trip to Philadelphia? Penn State Behrend has you covered.

As America is in the midst of its 250th birthday celebration, a renewed interest in the 273-year-old bell has taken hold of the public. So much so, a team from the Virtual/Augmented Reality (VAR) Lab at Penn State Behrend has created a high-resolution model of the iconic bell for the public to explore online.

By visiting var.psu.edu/libertybell, history buffs can now view the bell from multiple angles, including close-up views of its surface details, shape, and historic features, including portions that aren’t typically visible. Virtual visitors can also take an interactive tour of the Liberty Bell Center and its exhibits.

The project began when the Erie-based VAR team realized no public scan existed for the bell. In late May, they worked after hours at the center in Philadelphia to complete the scanning and photography. The team then reviewed and edited the images and developed digital assets for public education, preservation, and future exhibits.

Recast in 1753 in Philadelphia, the 2,080-pound bronze bell was rung regularly for nine decades before its iconic crack in the 1840s. Currently, it’s on display at the center in the city’s Independence National Historical Park.

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ON THE RISE
Pennsylvania measles outbreak tops 100 cases

Pennsylvania is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with 109 confirmed cases reported across multiple counties as of mid-July. At press time, Lancaster County had the most cases with 67, and Lebanon County was second with 20.

Health officials say most of those infected are unvaccinated, which has allowed the highly contagious virus to spread. Measles can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash and small white spots in the mouth. The disease can lead to serious medical complications, especially in the young and those with weakened immune systems.

The state Department of Health encourages anyone who is not vaccinated to get the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. After two doses, people are immune to the virus. Officials are also identifying possible exposure locations and asking anyone who notices symptoms or becomes ill to contact a health provider.

For more information, visit pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles.