HIDDEN TREASURE: THE LIBERTY BELL MUSEUM

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The Liberty Bell Museum in Melbourne, Florida is no ordinary history museum! Honor America Inc. founded the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum and the Plaza of Flags in Wells Park. They used the former concrete ground water storage tank and pump house of the original Melbourne Water Works to house the museum. Since that time the museum has been redesigned and the former water tank is now an impressive Rotunda of American History with an exact un-cracked replica of the Liberty Bell in the center. According to Honor America, Incorporated, in1976, the students of South Brevard County Schools saved their pennies and dimes to purchase the bell. The United States Government commissioned the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, the company that cast the original Liberty Bell in 1752, to make 100 exact replicas. One was given to each of the 50 states to be hung in each capitol city. The remaining bells were to be sold to various museums throughout the country, however not all of the remaining 50 were actually cast. This makes the bell at the Honor America Liberty Bell Museum even more rare and unusual!

Another exciting addition to the museum is their 911 First Responders Exhibit. Not only do they have a piece of iron girder from the rubble of Tower One of the World Trade Center, but the exhibit also boasts a piece of granite from the demolished section of the Pentagon. Uniforms of first responders stand guard over the exhibit.  I looked at the articles and remembered how devastating 911 was for so many of my friends and family in New York, but then one of the museum volunteers reminded me, “It was a global event, not just a New York event.” And she was so right! It was a day that affected people in every corner of the globe. This rare and exceptional exhibit captures those moments in time when the world stood still as part of America died.

Right now, the museum is working on adding key moments and people involved in Women’s Suffrage to the Rotunda Timeline. Information and artifacts on the Civil Rights movement and other issues of interest are constantly being updated and added. A recent “voting” exhibit helps show children and adults how to use the equipment at the polls and allows them to vote just as they would in a real election.

There are many amazing things to see and do at the Museum. Adults, children, families: there’s something for everyone! Parades, patriotic concerts, Flag Day/ Memorial Day/Citizenship Day ceremonies, 4^th of July Parade, Flag retirement ceremonies  and so much more! (And admission is free!)

Honor America Liberty Bell Museum

1601 Oak Street

Melbourne, FL 32901

(321)727-1776

Museum Hours

Tuesday-Friday:  10am-4pm

Saturday:    10am-2pm

DON'T FORGET THE JULY4th PARADE THAT STARTS AT MANATEE PARK (Railroad tracks and Old Melbourne Ave) AND ENDS AT THE LIBERTY BELL MUSEUM!

11AM

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Italian meats, olives and cheeses!

A little bit of heaven has appeared in Vierra, Florida in the form of Amici’s Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria, and Bakery. I was introduced to Amici’s when a friend invited me to his wife’s surprise birthday party. The food was authentic, home style Italian, just like we enjoyed “up north” in Brooklyn. Platter after platter of Chicken Marsala, Pasta with creamy Ricotta and gooey mozzarella in a rich red sauce (or “gravy” as some of my Italian friends call it), and perfectly spiced meatballs were carried out. Before I could empty my plate, spicy sausage and peppers, and several other delectable entrees appeared. The bread was warm and fragrant, the wine, full bodied and perfectly matched to the meal. I can’t imagine a nicer environment or better service than we received.


Amici's Owner and Chef David Dashi

Owner/Chef David Dashi came out to welcome us and checked often to see that we were happy with the food and service. How could we not be? Everything was just perfect!

Chef David not only provides an outstanding dining experience, but carries the spirit of Amici (friendship) into his concern for the community. He recently contributed most generously to the Second Annual Joseph S. Pellicano Golf Tournament to benefit the Police Academy Scholarship Fund in honor of Officer Pellicano who died in the line of duty.                                                         

The delicious cookies and biscotti are made fresh!

But the end of that amazing meal wasn’t the end of the magic! Right next door, Amici’s has opened a REAL Italian Bakery and Deli. The freshly made cookies, pastries, breads and cakes rival any New York Italian Bakery. I have NEVER tasted 7 layer (Italian Flag) cookies that have come close to those at Amici’s!  And if you’re in the market for a one of a kind Italian Wedding Cake, you can schedule a cake tasting and order your cake right from Amici’s! You can also find a variety of Italian products: pasta, polenta, olives, oils, and more in the little Italian Shop within the bakery.

Now my favorite part- The seasonal specialties. Every Saint Joseph’s Day, Italian families celebrate by serving a kind of Italian Pastry called Zeppolis. These cream filled pieces of bliss are hard to find and I was thrilled to buy my 3 dozen at Amici’s! I always bring them to school for my fellow teachers to share in our family tradition.

During Easter Season, Pizza Rustica, Ricotta Pie, Braided Sweet Bread with Colored eggs and other traditional treats are available.  At Christmas time, it’s delicious little honey balls called Struffoli that our family loves!  From October to December to celebrate Halloween or The Day of the Dead, Ossi di Morti (dead man’s bones) are available by the pound.

So if you’re interested in an exceptional meal, a party, catering, or treats from the bakery, you can’t go wrong by visiting Amici’s. You’re sure to meet Chef David while you’re there, so tell him Marion sent you!

Pastries to die for!



Amici's Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria, Specialty Bakery and Deli

7720 N. Wickham Road Suite 120

Melbourne, Florida 32940

321-255-5377

http://www.amicis-suntree.com/