TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND

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

The Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS) is a non-profit organization located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1986 with the aim of collecting, preserving, and providing access to moving images and sound recordings that have a connection to Tennessee. The archive’s collection includes films, videos, audio recordings, and other media formats that showcase the state’s culture, history, and people.

TAMIS has a team of experienced archivists who work tirelessly to manage and preserve the vast collection. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure the proper storage and restoration of the materials. The archive also has a research library where patrons can access reference materials related to the collection.

The archive’s collection is diverse, featuring a range of genres including documentaries, newsreels, home movies, and commercial films. Some of the notable items in the collection include recordings of Elvis Presley's performances, the Smoky Mountains National Park, and various political campaigns.

TAMIS is open to the public and welcomes researchers, students, and general visitors to explore the collection. The archive also hosts screenings and events throughout the year, providing a platform for the public to engage with Tennessee’s audiovisual heritage.

TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in KNOXVILLE TN. US MID #8404700567

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 TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND

TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND
PO BOX 2773
KNOXVILLE
TN
37901-2773

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 TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND

TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND Information

MID # 8404700567
Name TENNESSEE ARCHIVE OF MOVING IMAGE AND SOUND
Alternate Name
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 861155597
NTEECC A80
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201303
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 35.960905, -83.918503
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 093
US Census Tract: 000100
US Census Block: 1099