PORTLAND – The Maine Irish Heritage Center, shut down in 2006 after a 1 1/2-ton bell crashed from its tower, has reopened now that it has been renovated.

With a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Portland center reopened Tuesday after $1.2 million worth of work by contractors who were brought in after the bell collapse to repair that and more damage incurred during the Patriot’s Day storm of 2007.

The center’s officials hope the restoration ushers in a busy schedule of activities. More than 100 events ranging from dinners to theatrical performances were held at the center in its last full active year, 2005.

The center’s bell has been secured in place, held by a framework of 8-inch-square wooden beams and strengthened by a lattice of iron I-beams.