KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC

KNOXVILLE, 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

Knoxville Civil War Roundtable Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Knoxville, Tennessee, dedicated to increasing public awareness of the Civil War era and its impact on the region. The Roundtable was founded in 1972 by a group of Civil War enthusiasts and historians who sought to promote education and appreciation of Civil War history.

The Knoxville Civil War Roundtable Inc. hosts numerous events throughout the year, including monthly meetings that feature guest speakers and presentations on a range of topics related to the Civil War era. The organization also publishes a monthly newsletter and holds an annual symposium featuring lectures and guided tours.

The organization is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Civil War. Membership is free and open to all ages. Members are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings and other events hosted by the organization.

In addition to promoting public awareness of the Civil War, the Roundtable also works to preserve and protect sites of significance in the region. The organization works with local governments and the Tennessee Historical Commission to ensure the preservation of historical sites related to the Civil War.

The Knoxville Civil War Roundtable Inc. is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Civil War era. Through its events, publications, and preservation efforts, the organization strives to make the Civil War more accessible and to promote a greater understanding of this important period in American history.

KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in KNOXVILLE TN. US MID #8404700222

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). 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 KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC

KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC
PO BOX 52232
KNOXVILLE
TN
37950-2232

Disclaimer: please note this database is maintained by volunteers and whilst we endeavour to do our best, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listing.

If you notice any errors or omissions in the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Find more KNOXVILLE TN Museums

Map of KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC

KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC Information

MID # 8404700222
Name KNOXVILLE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE INC
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 311645453
NTEECC A80
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201306
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 35.94605, -84.013161
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 093
US Census Tract: 004500
US Census Block: 1000