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Heritage Ball

52nd Annual Heritage Ball

October 4, 2025 | 5:30 PM – Midnight

The Heritage Ball, Williamson County’s longest-running black-tie affair, celebrates the outstanding preservation work of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, and serves as our largest annual fundraising event for future preservation efforts.

Support Historic Preservation in Style

  • 800+ Preservation-minded Donors
  • 100+ Young Professionals at the Next Gen Late Party
  • Live & Online Auction
  • Exquisite Served Meal & Full Bar
  • Live Music & Dancing

Approximately 800 guests will gather to support and celebrate the work of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and to raise funds for future preservation projects. The Ball serves as the greatest single fundraising initiative for the Foundation each year. In addition to a seated dinner and dancing, the ball features a cocktail hour and other fundraising opportunities.

The first ball, which was held at Magnolia Hall, was a community effort. The Franklin Garden Club gathered, dried, and arranged the flowers. Marty Ligon, Eunetta Kready, Jane Rainey, Mary Frances Ligon and Catherine Brent assisted with planning and sending invitations. The hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Garrett, asked for donations of $50 per couple to be made to the Heritage Foundation. A lot has changed since that first ball on a cold February evening in 1972, however, what hasn’t changed is the community spirit required to put on this elegant event.


THE LATE PARTY

As a way for young professionals to participate in the Heritage Ball experience, the Heritage Foundation’s Next Gen group presents The Late Party, supported by Tennessee Equine Hospital. Starting at 8 PM, The Late Party offers drinks, desserts, dancing, entertainment and a chance to mingle with other great people. This year's Heritage Ball Late Party is chaired by Kaitlin White and Lauren Bradford. Get ready to “Party with a Purpose!”

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Heather Headley

This year's entertainer will be Tony and Grammy Award-winner Heather Headley. Heather originated the role of Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, won a Tony Award in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, and she also currently stars in the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias".

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Alma McLemore

The 2022 Patrons Award honoree is Alma McLemore. The award goes individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to historic preservation in Williamson County. Alma is the President of the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County.

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Katherine Malone-France

The 2022 Tracy Frist Legacy Award honoree is Katherine Malone-France, Chief Preservation Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The award is given to individuals who embody the American spirit and whose bodies of work lifts up the efforts of historic preservation, on national or international levels. (Pictured: Senator Bill Frist, Katherine Malone-France, Tom & Cordia Harrington)

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2024 Heritage Ball Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Patron Sponsors:

Official Jeweler

Official Automotive Sponsor

Patron Party Sponsors:

Founding Sponsors:

Premiere Sponsors:

Sustaining Sponsors:

Late Party Sponsors:

In-Kind Sponsors:

2021 Patron-Level Sponsors

The Alexander Family
Senator Bill and Tracy Frist
McMahan, Winstead & Richardson
RNM Management & Properties
Williamson Medical Center
Williamson Medical Center Foundation

The Heritage Ball Auction is Now Live!

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN is hosting the 50th Annual Heritage Ball on October 7th. This year both the silent AND live auctions will be held in advance of the Heritage Ball culminating at the Patron Party at Southall Farm & Inn on September 9th. Items will highlight Tennessee flavors, sites, arts, and sounds of why we call Tennessee home.