The bell completed a monthslong journey that began in Italy and ended in Lower Manhattan, where a small group gathered outside the museum to witness its arrival.
The project was led by Dominick DeRubbio, director of the New York City Fire Museum, who said the effort was intended to recognize those who continued to suffer and die from illnesses related to the terrorist attacks.
"We hope this bell, it brings some peace to the families, to say we worked really hard to do something special for you," DeRubbio said.
The bell was cast in Agnone, Italy, at Marinelli, which DeRubbio described as the oldest family-run bell foundry in the world and the official foundry of the Vatican.
When he became museum director, DeRubbio said he was determined to find a way to honor first responders who died from illnesses tied to the attacks.
"It's a never ending nightmare, its just so tough to see people suffering years down the road...Chief Ron Spadafora...Pete Chiodo from Engine 226," he said.
The project also carries personal significance for DeRubbio. His uncle, Firefighter David DeRubbio of Engine 226, was killed on Sept. 11.
DeRubbio traveled to Italy as the bell was being created and participated in a ceremony with Italian firefighters before it began its trip to the United States.
"There's priest chanting in Latin, smoke is filling the room, we thanked them, it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced, just unconditional love," he said.
In August, the bell left the foundry in a crate draped with an FDNY flag. It traveled by road and ferry through Italy before being flown to the United States. After landing in New Jersey, the bell completed its final journey to New York with assistance from agencies across the country.
"It's a unifying moment, a unifying memorial for these members that died," DeRubbio said.
The bell has now been installed at the New York City Fire Museum, where it will be officially unveiled Friday.
"Knowing that we haven't forgotten about these members that died and that we will continue to tell their stories and do a better job day by day," DeRubbio said.