The love and enthusiasm for handbells in America sprang from the hands of Margaret Shurcliff of Boston, Massachusetts. She introduced many friends to the joys of handbell ringing, and her Beacon Hill Ringers became well known for their annual Christmas caroling on Beacon Hill. The popularity of handbells spread rapidly through New England in the early 20th century. In 1937 several handbell enthusiasts met at Margaret’s home and formed the New England Guild of English Handbell Ringers, with Margaret serving as its first president. By the early 1950s, handbell ringing was scattered across the United States. In February 1954, the New England Guild met at Margaret’s home to plan the first American handbell festival and The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers was formed.
