Center For Peace And Valor Restoration Efforts Paused

The pandemic has put a pause on restoration efforts at the Sgt. Alvin C. York Center for Peace and Valor.

Executive Director of the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation Debbie York said she is still holding out hope that restoration can continue after the pandemic. However, she said the stop on restoration might result in changing the approach to the center.

“It may look differently, the world may need something a little different than what we had planned,” York said. “We are very eager to change our plans and accommodate what the community needs, what Tennessee needs and what the world needs, when we’re on the other side of this pandemic.”

York said during this time efforts have shifted to virtual and outdoor programs through the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park and Sgt. York’s home. She said these have included virtual tours, getting the blacksmith shop up and more.

“We grew a historic sorghum farm and did sorghum milling,” York said. “We’ve expanded the crop area with an apple orchard and crops, small crops. We’re trying to use it with period utensils and original farming methods.”

York said a lot of these programs and events were not advertised to avoid capacity and social distancing concerns. York said there is still interest in restoring the Center for Peace and Valor, and restoration efforts will try to continue in the future.

“There is still a lot of interest and hope in moving forward with plans to get that done,” York said.

The Center for Peace and Valor is located at the original York Institute Building in Jamestown. The building is intended to be used for higher education, arts and culture and veteran’s services.