UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM

OAK RIDGE, TN

International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge, Tennessee

International Friendship Bell 
A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War

At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, the 8,300-pound bronze bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987 After seeing the value of a bonshō bell hanging in Buddhist Gannyu-ji Temple, they launched "Project Peace Bell."

Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwasawa, the relief panels display peaceful images inspired by Tennessee, Japan, as well as tragedies of war between the two nations.

Recognizing the potential significance of the bell, $750,000 in donations was ultimately raised to design, fabricate, deliver, and install the bell, by citizens and foundations in communities in both Japan, and in Oak Ridge.

The bell was not without controversy when it was dedicated in 1996. There were concerns over potential noise from the bell, as well as some interpreting it as an apology for destroying Hiroshima.

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell in times of celebration and remembrance

"The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate the 50th birthday of Oak Ridge, and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for the peace. The bell is for everyone, the young and the old. I feel something very special about this town, the town borne of war living for peace and growing through science." - Shigeko Yoshino Uppulur
International Friendship Bell Credit: rocbolt

The University of Tennessee Forestry Stations and Arboretum in Oak Ridge, TN, is part of the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture. The research station is comprised of 9,430 acres of forest land, with approximately 5,000 acres dedicated to research and teaching. The forest land is divided into four regions, each with its own field station: Oak Ridge, Crossville, Monteagle, and Tullahoma.

The Oak Ridge field station consists of 3,100 acres, with a variety of forest habitats, including upland hardwoods, bottomland hardwoods, pine plantations, and wetlands. The station is home to the UT Arboretum, which includes a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The Arboretum also features a series of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Crossville field station is home to the UT Forest Products Lab, which studies the properties of wood and wood products. The 4,200-acre Monteagle station is dedicated to the study of forest ecology and management, and the 1,100-acre Tullahoma station is used for research on forest insects, diseases, and genetics.

The University of Tennessee Forestry Stations and Arboretum in Oak Ridge provide educational opportunities for students and researchers, and recreational opportunities for the public. The stations and arboretum offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of Tennessee's forests.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM is a Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Center in OAK RIDGE TN. US MID #8404700014

The museum is classed as BOT (Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Southeastern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia).

Contact UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM
901 S ILLINOIS AVE
OAK RIDGE
TN
37830

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UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM Information

MID # 8404700014
Name UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FORESTRY STATIONS AND ARBORETUM
Alternate Name
Classification Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 35.996291, -84.223382
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 001
US Census Tract: 020201
US Census Block: 1023