The first New York Stock Exchange bell-ringer was a surprising choice

In 1956, the New York Stock Exchange had its first guest bell-ringer, making a significant departure from the norm of inviting company executives, politicians, or celebrities. This first guest was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, who earned the honor by winning a television quiz show. The NYSE has since welcomed a diverse array of figures to ring the opening bell, including notable leaders from business, politics, and entertainment. Over the years, some prominent bell-ringers have included Ronald Reagan, who rang the bell as president in 1985, along with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actor Robert Downey Jr. Interestingly, the list of bell-ringers even includes characters from popular culture, such as Miss Piggy, a well-known Muppet. Most recently, President-elect Donald Trump rang the bell at the stock exchange, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, who had previously rung the bell in 2019 as part of her “Be Best” initiative. The practice of inviting bell-ringers has grown to include a wider array of individuals, often founders and executives from different companies, while reflecting the evolution and the marketing aspects of the Exchange. The tradition carries historical significance, as stock trading in the area where the NYSE is located has origins that date back to the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam. The exchange, which originated from the 'Buttonwood Agreement' signed in 1792, began formal stock trading with established rules and commissions further solidifying its role in American economic history. Over the years, the NYSE moved into its first permanent home in 1865 and transitioned to its current iconic building in 1903. The original bell used was a gong, which later became an electronically operated brass bell and has since evolved into synchronized bells in the NYSE’s trading areas, demonstrating the shift toward modernization in processes while maintaining a rich tradition.