Help shape the future of America’s Favorite Main Street! Take our short survey →

2024 Year in Review

You’re invited to join our exclusive community reception on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6 PM at The Franklin Theatre as we reflect back on the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 2024 successes and look forward to what 2025 has in store for us. Enjoy a short presentation, some special surprises, and more!

We look forward to gathering with you to mingle and share about our mission and our community impact as we continue to save the historic places and stories that matter in Williamson County. Limited seats are available.

Black History Heroes: Voices of Service- Commemorating George Jordan and other Local Heroes

Join us for an evening at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center as we join together with the African American Heritage Society to commemorate Sargent George Jordan and other local heroes.

Timeless Tales: The Mitten

“The Mitten” is a whimsical tale about a boy’s lost mitten that unexpectedly becomes a cozy refuge for a growing number of woodland animals, leading to a humorous and heartwarming ending.

Join us at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center on Friday, February 14th at 9 AM for a magical journey through the world of classic children’s literature. This enchanting series is designed for children aged 1-3 and their adult loved ones. Each read aloud is followed by a hands-on activity from sensory bins, retelling activities, and crafts Connect with other families in the community and create lasting memories!

✨ Looking for a unique and historic venue for your next event? ✨

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!

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 of Williamson County today! Each gift funds preservation & education initiatives in our area that sustain the historic charm that makes our community 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.

Sign Up To Get News And Announcements First!

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.