SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM

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 Southern Appalachia Railway Museum is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of railroads in the Southern Appalachia region. The museum is housed in a restored train station that was originally built in 1943 and served as a stop for the Clinchfield Railroad.

The museum features a collection of historic locomotives, railcars, and artifacts, including a 1920s passenger car and a 1950s diesel engine. Visitors can take guided tours of the museum and even ride on a restored vintage train.

In addition to its exhibits and tours, the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum also hosts special events throughout the year, such as train rides with Santa during the holiday season and a fall foliage excursion.

The museum is staffed by volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history of railroads in the region and educating the public about their importance. It is open to the public on select days throughout the year and is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM is a History Museum in OAK RIDGE TN. US MID #8404700427

The museum is classed as HST (History 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). Total revenue from most recent IRS 990 Form: $ 160,430 from tax period 201212 (YYYYMM).

Contact SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM

SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM
PO BOX 6756
OAK RIDGE
TN
37831-3514

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 OAK RIDGE TN Museums

Map of SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM

SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM Information

MID # 8404700427
Name SOUTHERN APPALACHIA RAILWAY MUSEUM
Alternate Name
Classification History Museums, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 621435941
NTEECC A54
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201212
INCOME 163,858
REVENUE 160,430
LAT/LONG 36.024959, -84.238512
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 001
US Census Tract: 020202
US Census Block: 2052