COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

COALFIELD, 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 Coalfield Genealogical & Historical Society is a non-profit organization located in Coalfield, Tennessee. It was founded in 1987 by a group of local residents who were interested in preserving the history and genealogy of the area. The society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing information about the people, places, and events that have shaped the community.

The society has a vast collection of historical records, including census data, land records, cemetery surveys, wills, marriage records, and more. They also have a library of books, maps, and photographs related to the area's history. The society hosts regular meetings, educational programs, and events to engage and educate members and the public about the history of Coalfield.

The Coalfield Genealogical & Historical Society also publishes a quarterly newsletter that includes articles, research tips, and information about upcoming events. The society is run by a volunteer board of directors and relies on the support of its members and community to continue its mission of preserving local history and genealogy.

Overall, the Coalfield Genealogical & Historical Society is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Coalfield, Tennessee, and the people who have lived there over the years.

COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in COALFIELD TN. US MID #8404700242

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 COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 315
COALFIELD
TN
37719-0315

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COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY Information

MID # 8404700242
Name COALFIELD GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 412110652
NTEECC A80
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201012
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 36.03374, -84.414858
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 129
US Census Tract: 110400
US Census Block: 2005