ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION

KINGSTON, 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 Roane County Heritage Commission is a non-profit organization based in Kingston, Tennessee. It was established in 1970 with the aim of preserving and promoting the rich history and heritage of Roane County. The commission works in collaboration with local organizations, institutions, and individuals to identify, document, and preserve historical sites, buildings, artifacts, and events.

The commission has a board of directors, a staff of volunteers, and several committees that oversee different aspects of its activities. The committees include the archives committee, the cemetery committee, the education committee, the marker committee, the museum committee, the publications committee, and the research committee. These committees work on various projects such as collecting and cataloging historical documents and artifacts, organizing educational programs and events, and erecting historical markers at significant sites.

The commission operates the Roane County Heritage Museum, which is located in the historic Dr. J. A. Cook Building in downtown Kingston. The museum features exhibits showcasing the county's history, culture, and people. It also houses a research library, a gift shop, and a meeting room.

The Roane County Heritage Commission is a vital organization that plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the county's heritage. Its efforts have helped to instill a sense of pride and appreciation for the county's rich history among its citizens and visitors.

ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in KINGSTON TN. US MID #8404700263

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). Total revenue from most recent IRS 990 Form: $ 46,335 from tax period 201212 (YYYYMM).

Contact ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION

ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION
PO BOX 738
KINGSTON
TN
37763-0738

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 KINGSTON TN Museums

Map of ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION

ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION Information

MID # 8404700263
Name ROANE COUNTY HERITAGE COMMISSION
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 510185468
NTEECC A80
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201212
INCOME 46,335
REVENUE 46,335
LAT/LONG 35.843649, -84.498536
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 145
US Census Tract: 030202
US Census Block: 1061