When thinking about how the Heritage Foundation has made a difference for 50 years, a lot of credit must go to our divisions: The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA); The Franklin Theatre; and the Next Generation. Each division is vital to the overall growth and development of our County.

The DFA has helped spearhead the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. The organization and its members–made up of local business owners and merchants–have done it by administrating and following the four-point program of the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The four points are Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.

Additionally, DFA sponsors BrewFest; recently teamed with Mars Petcare for the national pilot of Mars’ Better Cities for Pets; collaborates often with the City of Franklin, including purchasing and coordinating the annual Christmas lights; and are instrumental in Franklin’s many accolades as the best Main Street in America.

The Franklin Theatre is another important division of the Heritage Foundation.  When the Theatre went dark, the Heritage Foundation took a leap of faith and purchased the building. For four years, the community came together to raise over $8 million dollars to ensure that the Franklin Theatre remains the jewel in the crown of Main Street. Since reopening in June of 2011, it has been a major economic engine for our shops and restaurants.  It has helped other non-profits raise funds, and it has helped to make downtown a night time destination.

The future of The Heritage Foundation rests with “The Next Generation.” (Next Gen)  The purpose of the Next Gen is to engage those in the community ages 21 to 40 in the mission of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Tennessee.  Through education of our local history, preservation of places that matter, and creating a sense of community, the Next Gen is making a difference.  Since its formation, Next Gen has sponsored Three Blind Vines and raised $100,000.00 to pay for the Franklin Theatre marquees.