By Rachael Finch, Senior Director of Preservation & Education

Nearly six decades ago, the revitalization of Franklin’s Main Street began, one building at a time, leading to the full redevelopment of the historic district and surrounding neighborhoods.

Historic preservation is the best way to initiate a smart growth approach to saving places that matter, not only in Franklin but across Williamson County, Tennessee. At the Heritage Foundation, we diligently advocate for saving places and sharing stories that matter by demonstrating how our historic buildings and districts are symbols of our county’s cultural heritage and stories that are important to sustaining vibrant communities today and in the future.

You may know about our past efforts to advocate for the Menefee Farm and its historic farmstead and gateway “middle passage” roadbed in Brentwood, the civil war landscape and greenspace of Roper’s Knob in Franklin, the historic Breezeway farm off Clovercroft Road, and the nationally significant Historic Franklin Masonic Hall tied to the Treaty of 1830 and its role in American Indian Removal.

But advocating for places, spaces, and stories is also about advocating for less prominent places and stories that are equally important to our communities in the enclaves across the county or buried beneath the ground that reveals much of who we are and where we come from. And often, lesser-known places (and yes, even the more known places!) are the ones that face endangerment due to development, demolition, neglect, or may be considered unworthy of preservation.

So, you may be thinking, “What can I do to help advocate for saving the places, spaces, and stories that matter in Williamson County?” Here are our top seven tips for getting involved in grassroots preservation advocacy.

 

Become a member (or renew your membership) of the Heritage Foundation!

Being a member provides essential “boots on the ground” community preservation advocacy, financial support, and strengthens our ability to keep Williamson County, TN one of the most charming and inspiring places to live and work. Our work is vital to sustaining the quality of life and preserving our unique cultural heritage, architectural character, and history. Visit https://williamsonheritage.org/support-us/membership/ to become a member today!

 

Volunteer!

Our volunteers are the most supportive and sustaining advocates of our organization. We are known for our amazing educational events and festivals; Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of A Christmas, but none of these would be as wonderful as they are without the thousands of hours given by volunteers. Whether it’s volunteering in preservation projects, working in our offices, or at one of our festivals, Heritage Foundation volunteers are an integral part of who we are. We are looking for people who can help on any level. Some of our opportunities are Brand Ambassadors, Festival/Heritage Ball Volunteers, and Preservation Volunteers. To become a community advocate volunteer please go to https://williamsonheritage.org/support-us/volunteer/.

 

Attend one of our educational, community outreach programs!

We firmly believe history education and preservation advocacy are key partners in engaging our citizens across Williamson County to become informed advocates for saving the places.

Two of our cherished programs, our annual Warwick Lecture Series and Practical Preservation Series bring people together throughout the year to learn why places, spaces, and stories are the essence of who we are as a society. Named for Williamson County Historian Rick Warwick, the Warwick Lecture Series highlights Middle Tennessee history, architecture, preservation, and authors. These programs are free and open to the public and are typically held at the LeHew Magid Big House for Historic Preservation, The Franklin Theatre, or the History & Culture Center of Williamson County. Our Practical Preservation Series is dedicated to educating local historic homeowners and preservation enthusiasts on common preservation topics and techniques.

One of the highlights of the year is our annual Preservation Symposium which brings leading preservation speakers to discuss and share with attendees the value and future of historic preservation. To learn more about our upcoming events, please visit https://williamsonheritage.org/events/.

 

Nominate a site to our Sites to Save Endangered list!

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, has compiled its first annual Sites to Save list, which seeks to identify historic places in Williamson County that are vulnerable to demolition, development, or neglect. The Sites to Save list is designed as a tool to help the community come alongside the Heritage Foundation in its efforts to raise awareness of Williamson County’s significant historic, cultural, geographical, and archaeological resources, including buildings, structures, cemeteries, historic districts, archaeological sites, natural and cultural landscapes while respecting the rights of property owners whose land may include such resources. The annual list is announced at the beginning of May – National Preservation Month! https://williamsonheritage.org/historic-preservation/sites-to-save/

 

Attend our preservation advocacy workshops!

Led by the Heritage Foundation’s President & CEO Bari Beasley and Senior Director of Preservation, Education, & Advocacy Rachael Finch, these events are designed to engage and share key touch points for pursuing grassroots preservation advocacy, community engagement, and best practices for keeping perspectives realistic while inspiring collaborative preservation work in our community. Stay “in the know” for the next advocacy workshop by becoming a member or volunteering through our members-only newsletters!

 

Scan the National Register of Historic Places database to learn about our historic places listed on this special designation!

The National Register of Historic Places is the official listing of the Nation’s historic places recognized for their place tied to history, culture, architecture, archaeology, or significant people or events. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s program plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting the public’s effort to identify, evaluate, and protect the country’s most important resources. To learn more about the National Register of Historic Place and to search the database to reach up on Franklin and Williamson County’s historic and cultural resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places, please go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm.

 

Give!

Through preservation, education, and advocacy, we save historic places, empower generations of preservationists, and build community through cherished cultural experiences that enhance your quality of life. By telling stories that matter and safeguarding this community’s sense of place, we connect neighbors to each other and our history to our humanity, preserving our unique culture and heritage for today and for generations to come.  Every dollar you donate goes toward helping to save the places and stories that matter across Williamson County. Please consider a gift today! https://williamsonheritage.org/donate/

Join us in May as we celebrate National Preservation Month and announce the 2023 Sites to Save!