LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON

LENOIR CITY, 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 Lenoir City Museum and Cotton in Lenoir City, Tennessee is a historical museum that showcases the history of Lenoir City and the surrounding region. The museum is housed in a restored building that was once a cotton mill, and it features exhibits on the cotton industry, the Civil War, and other important events in the area's history.

One of the main attractions of the museum is the cotton exhibit, which showcases the history of cotton production and processing in the region. Visitors can see antique cotton gins, baling machines, and other equipment used in the cotton industry. The exhibit also includes displays of antique clothing and textiles made from cotton.

Other exhibits in the museum focus on the Civil War and local history, including the development of Lenoir City and its role in the region's economy. Visitors can see artifacts from the Civil War, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items of soldiers.

The Lenoir City Museum and Cotton is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and students of all ages. It offers a unique glimpse into the history of the region and the people who have lived and worked there over the centuries.

LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON is a Uncategorized or General Museum in LENOIR CITY TN. US MID #8404700070

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). 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 LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON

LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON
110 DEPOT ST
LENOIR CITY
TN
37771

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LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON Information

MID # 8404700070
Name LENOIR CITY MUSEUM AND COTTON
Alternate Name
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 35.812105, -84.294453
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 105
US Census Tract: 060202
US Census Block: 2042