Do you know of a Williamson County landmark facing imminent threat? The Heritage Foundation's "Sites to Save" list shines a light on irreplaceable architectural, historical, cultural, natural, and archaeological treasures at risk due to demolition, neglect, or inappropriate development. Your nominations are crucial!
Don't let our history disappear. Nominate a "Site to Save" in Williamson County by May 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm Central/DST!
From deep roots to new beginnings, everyone cherishes special Williamson County places. This May, for Preservation Month, we're inviting you to celebrate the landmarks and locations that shape your life. Through our My Square Mile campaign, we're connecting people and places across our community.
Share your story and help us preserve what matters, together!
Looking for a delightful way to connect with other families? Join us for Timeless Tales at the Moore-Morris History & Culture Center on Friday, June 13th, from 9-10 am! We'll be reading the classic "Goodnight Moon" followed by engaging, hands-on activities perfect for children aged 1-3 and their caregivers.
RSVP for this FREE event and create lasting memories!
The Moore-Morris History and Culture Center is more than just an interactive exhibition space – it's a stunning 6,000-square-foot event space nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Franklin.
Here's why you'll love it:
- Historic Charm: This beautifully restored three-story building boasts stunning brick walls, hardwood floors, tall windows, and charming fireplaces throughout.
- Prime Location: Just steps from the square and across the street from The Harpeth Hotel, you're in the center of it all.
- Versatile Space: Perfect for meetings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and more!
- Supporting a Good Cause: By renting our space, you directly support the Center's non-profit mission.
Contact our incredible team to schedule a tour and learn more about hosting your next event in our space!
The non-profit Heritage Foundation operates The Franklin Theatre, Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and the Moore-Morris History & Culture Center of Williamson County, TN to preserve and enrich Williamson County for the betterment of its citizens and visitors.
Support the critical work of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County today! Each gift funds preservation & education initiatives in our area that sustain the historic charm that makes our community so beloved.
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN is a nonprofit that preserves, promotes and advocates for the historic places, stories and culture of our community.
Through preservation, education, and events, we actively maintain the historic beauty of Williamson County for our residents and visitors. Without this paramount work, significant buildings and locations representing our area’s diverse history and vibrant culture would be lost forever.
To be the reason the world knows and falls in love with Williamson County’s culture and history.
Whether you have time, funds or business connections to give, each are vitally necessary to sustain the work the Heritage Foundation does to enrich Williamson County. Let's talk, we know there is a meaningful way to get you involved.
Includes: Beechwood Hall (1856), Grasslands (1802, 1850), and Old Town (1846)
Photo of Beechwood Hall, March 2024. Anna Marcum.
WHY: Pryor Lillie built three of the most significant antebellum homes in Williamson County. To have an extant portfolio of an antebellum builder's work in Williamson County is extremely rare and these properties should be preserved as a group.
Pictured, Frierson-Voorhees Cemetery, Brentwood and Tombstone of the Wife of Dr. William Searcy Removed from its Original Location, Nolensville. Both images submitted by nominator.
WHY: Intimate family cemeteries are abundant in Tennessee and an important feature of the state's landscape. As more folks move to Middle Tennessee and development ramps up, it's crucial that people are on the lookout for these cemeteries and are aware of how to appropriately handle them.
James Scales House, 2014. Wikipedia.
WHY: The James Scales House is a lovely example of Eastlake Victorian architecture and the I-house form in Williamson County. Despite the land around it being used as construction storage, the home still retains a remarkable amount of its Eastlake decoration on the porch.
Dry stack stone walls in Williamson County. Both images submitted by nominator.
WHY: These walls are a defining feature of the Tennessee landscape that are not protected by any kind of historic preservation ordinance. With rapid development, many are being lost simply because people don't understand their significance.
The Tucker Home, Architect Burney Tucker, Brentwood, 1967. Photo courtesy Zillow.
WHY: As the construction of I-65 progressed through Williamson County in the 1950s and 60s, towns along the interstate route exploded in growth and along with that growth came a number of lovely Mid-Century Modern homes. Many don’t see the historic value in modern architecture, but these homes are not only an excellent example of the style but also indicative of an important part of Williamson County’s recent history.
