Some milestones ask for quiet reflection. Others call for ceremony. And then there are the rare ones; the once‑in‑a‑generation markers that invite us to look back across the full sweep of our national story and consider what it means to carry that legacy forward.

As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026, Made From RI is proud to introduce two new commemorative ornaments crafted right here in Rhode Island by the artisans of ChemArt:
The Liberty Bell Semiquincentennial Ornament and The Betsy Ross Semiquincentennial Ornament.

These pieces are not simply seasonal décor. They are small, substantial vessels of memory, brass, gold‑finished, and printed with the colors and symbols that shaped the American imagination.

The Liberty Bell: A Symbol That Still Rings Out

The first ornament centers on the unmistakable silhouette of the Liberty Bell, framed in a bold red‑white‑and‑blue motif. Around the border, the inscription honors the span from 1776 to 2026, a full 250 years of striving toward the ideals first declared in Philadelphia.

What stands out is the weight, literally and figuratively. At 3 ounces, the piece feels like something meant to last. The detailing is crisp, the colors high‑contrast, the design unmistakably patriotic without slipping into excess. It’s the kind of keepsake that sits just as comfortably on a mantle or in a shadow box as it does on a holiday tree.

For families who pass down stories, this one carries its own.

The Betsy Ross Flag: A Circle of Stars, A Circle of Memory

The second ornament turns toward the early fabric of the nation, the Betsy Ross flag, with its ring of thirteen stars. Against this historic backdrop, the dates 1776–2026 appear once again, anchoring the design in the Semiquincentennial moment.

Where the Liberty Bell ornament feels bold and declarative, the Betsy Ross piece carries a quieter dignity. It’s lightweight yet durable, with a clean presentation that honors the original colonies and the long arc of leadership, sacrifice, and civic imagination that followed.

For history enthusiasts, veterans, educators, or anyone who keeps a soft spot for the early symbols of the Republic, this ornament lands with particular resonance.

Crafted in Rhode Island, Carried Into the Future

Both ornaments are:

• Handmade in Rhode Island from solid brass
• Finished in 24‑karat gold
• Digitally printed with precise, vivid color
• Packaged in a window box suitable for gifting or archival storage

ChemArt’s craftsmanship is well known across the country by Rhode Island made, a blend of precision, artistry, and respect for the objects they create. These Semiquincentennial pieces continue that lineage.

Also, check out the American Collection of ornaments at Made From RI. 

Why These Ornaments Have Meaning

As Rhode Islanders, we live close to the shoreline where so much of the early American story unfolded, ports, shipyards, debates, rebellions, and the stubborn insistence on self‑determination. These ornaments are small reminders of that inheritance.

They mark a moment we will not see again.
They honor the people who carried the work before us.
And they invite us to consider what it means to steward liberty into its next chapter.

For those building a family collection, curating a USA‑made display, or preparing gifts that carry meaning beyond the season, these two pieces are worthy additions.

About Made From RI and Made From RI Gallery

Made From RI and Made From RI Gallery work together to preserve, promote, and celebrate the creative life of Rhode Island.

Made From RI highlights the makers, materials, and small businesses that give our state its character, from heritage crafts and artisan goods to locally produced gifts that carry the imprint of Rhode Island hands. Every item we feature supports the people who keep our regional craft traditions alive.

Made From RI Gallery extends that mission into the documentary and artistic realm. Through photography, photopoetic field notes, and regional storytelling, the Gallery serves as a living record of Rhode Island’s landscapes, working waterfronts, seasonal rhythms, and cultural lineage. It is a place where image, verse, and witness come together to honor the truth of this place.

Together, the shop and the gallery form a single, steady purpose: to uplift Rhode Island makers, to document the heritage around us, and to leave a trustworthy record for the generations who will follow.