Located in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, the Historic Bell Buckle School has been vacant for years, yet still holds a  special place in the hearts and minds of those many who once walked its halls. Despite its current state  as a mere shell of its former self, the former students and local community are determined to  prevent it from further disrepair and to bring life back to the building. They are taking active measures to restore the school and transform it  into a multi-purpose community-driven recreation center.

Narrowly dodging plans for demolition in 2022, a 501c(3) non-profit, the Friends of the Historic Bell Buckle School (FHBBS), was formed to champion the value of the structure, disprove rumors that the building was beyond repair, and to raise funds for restoration. Since that time, the building has been deemed as sound and worthy of repair by a structural engineer. The TN Center for Historic Preservation concurs with this assessment, and has developed a Historic Development Plan for the school.

Numerous hurdles have been placed in the way of proceeding with grant procurement and fund raising efforts, and of gaining confidence that our efforts are not being made in vain. The school sits at the front of the Bell Buckle Park, a gem for our small town, actively used by town residents, visitors, and the surrounding areas. The park contains a State of Tennessee Certified Arboretum, children's playground,  regulation petanque court, basketball court, exercise station, walking trail, amphitheater, picnic pavilion, and is a hub for community activities and events throughout the year. Bringing the school building back to active use, has the potential to enhance this already thriving resource.

FHBBS exists to secure this treasured space, creating synergy with the existing park, and expanding Bell Buckle's ability to offer recreation of all types, during all seasons, as well as to provide a community hub and to honor the past.

If you also want to bring this dream into reality, please sign this petition. Your support will illustrate to leaders how valuable this resource is, and can be, for our community at large.

There is a meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at 6pm on August 8, 2023, at Bell Buckle Town Hall. The ability of FHBBS to insure that our fundraising and planning will be secured for the restoration of the school will be a primary topic of the meeting. Please help us to get a show of supporters by signing this petition, and showing up, if you are local.