We can't wait to see you at PumpkinFest! More info →

Join us for the 7th Annual Preservation Symposium as we explore the theme of COMMON GROUND!

SATURDAY, November 9th, 2024 • MOORE-MORRIS HISTORY & CULTURE CENTER OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s annual preservation symposium brings nationally known speakers to discuss the values and future of historic preservation. This one-day symposium will feature notable speakers delving into ways that preservationists can connect with new audiences and community members by acknowledging the field's past exclusionary practices and working towards a more inclusive future. The Heritage Foundation’s annual preservation awards will also be presented at the symposium. All attendees will receive a light breakfast and catered boxed lunches.

Our 39th Annual PumpkinFest is right around the corner!

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 39th Annual PumpkinFest presented by Atmos Energy is Middle Tennessee’s largest family Fall festival that returns on Saturday, October 26, 2024. With more than 115,000 people in attendance in 2023, the festival stretches along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin and offers tons of festive fun for people of all ages!

Join us for a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, and outstanding arts & crafts – featuring seasonal and specialty gift items.

Practical Preservation x Old England Rock Walls: Dry Stack Stone Wall Community Workshop

Join us for our FREE community introductory dry stack stone wall workshop with Martin Beevers of Old England Rock Walls!

Aligned with the curriculum of the Dry Stone Walling Association of the UK, this community workshop to repair and rebuild the historic dry stack stone wall at Hunterwood will provide attendees with a firm grounding in the basic principles of dry stone walling. While two-day workshops are typically $600, this community workshop is free and open to the public.

When? November 2 & 3, 9am-5pm
Where? Grassland Middle School, 2390 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN

EXPLORE WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S HERITAGE ROADS!

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is proud to present our Heritage Roads program, a comprehensive initiative designed to identify, protect, and preserve the scenic roadways that define our county's unique character. These roads, steeped in history and natural beauty, reflect the agricultural origins and historic charm that make Williamson County a special place.

We work closely with local citizens and government officials to advocate for land use and road policies that safeguard these invaluable assets for future generations.

Become a member of the Heritage Hundred today!

The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center of Williamson County is a destination for exploring our past and present. As Williamson County’s first permanent, interactive exhibition space dedicated to telling the region’s history, the Center honors and share stories of the people and places that comprise the fabric of middle Tennessee.

Your gift purchases an item to be placed within an exhibit with your logo or name for one year and permanent recognition as an original founding member of the Heritage Hundred in the lobby! Our gift options are as follows:

- A Signature Bottle of Stable Reserve Spirits ($5,000)
- Etched glassware or drinkware ($1,000)

One Nonprofit, Four Divisions

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.

Saving the Places and Stories that Matter

Support the critical work of the Heritage Foundation today. Each gift funds preservation & education initiatives in our area that sustain the historic charm that makes Williamson County so beloved.

What We Do

History, Preservation, Community.

Impact
By the Numbers

350K
Yearly Festivals & Special Event Attendance
5
Historical Districts
134
National Register Properties
$10M
Annual Festivals Local Economic Impact

Mission

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.

Impact

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.

Vision

To be the reason the world knows and falls in love with Williamson County’s culture and history.

Get Involved

Discover ways to give back to the community you love.

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.

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Latest News

2024 Sites to Save

PRYOR LILLIE WORKS

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.

2024 Sites to Save

WILLIAMSON COUNTY CEMETERIES

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.

2024 Sites to Save

THE JAMES SCALES HOUSE (1885), COLLEGE GROVE/KIRKLAND

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.

2024 Sites to Save

WILLIAMSON COUNTY DRY STACK STONE WALLS

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.

2024 Sites to Save

WILLIAMSON COUNTY MID-CENTURY MODERN HOMES

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.