NEW YORK - A historic beacon of freedom in New York Harbor is on the move.

The Statue of Liberty's original torch has been kept inside the pedestal since 1984.

That's when it was removed and replaced with a replica as part of the centennial restoration of the statue.

The torch is being moved across Liberty Island in a hydraulically stabilized transporter vehicle.

It will eventually be placed inside the Inspiration Gallery of the new Statue of Liberty museum, which is set to open in May of next year.