Nine sites make Sites to Save and eight sites make Sites to Watch; preservation in Franklin honored by the Tennessee Historic Commission who selected Franklin to host regional gathering of southeastern historic commissioners

FRANKLIN, TENN.  – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, formally announced its 2023 Sites to Save and Sites to Watch list, which are now available in detail on its website: https://williamsonheritage.org/historic-preservation/sites-to-save/ The Sites to Save list highlights properties that are historically significant and endangered because of age, condition or potential development. The list is designed to help the community join 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, and natural and cultural landscapes.    “Franklin is nationally renowned for its historic preservation success, and it is because our community all pulls in the same direction toward a common goal of maintaining what makes our community so special,” said Bari Beasley, President and CEO of the Heritage Foundation. “We’re thankful for the hundreds of community members who nominated sites toward which we should put our attention and resources. Our Foundation will continue to steward the best practices in preservation that deliver results and maintain our history.” “Preservation works best with coordination and productive and positive advocacy that articulate the value of preserving the places and stories that make Williamson County special,” said Rachael Finch, senior director of preservation and education. “We’re excited and thankful to the community for aiding us and guiding our priorities for this important and impactful program.” 2023 Sites to Save
  • Beechwood Hall, unincorporated Williamson County/Franklin
  • The Historic Franklin Masonic Hall, Franklin
  • The Historic Jenkins-Wilson House, Nolensville
  • Nolensville Cemeteries, Nolensville
  • The Historic 350-year-old Chinkapin Oak Tree known as Ruth, Arrington
  • The Civil War Earthworks, Triune
  • The Natchez Street Historic District, Franklin
  • The Historic Daniel McMahon House & Cemetery, Franklin (last remaining green gateway)
  • The Mill Creek Headwaters, Nolensville
2023 Sites to Watch
  • The Green Farm, Franklin
  • The Historic Sherwood Green House, Nolensville
  • The Frierson-Voorhies Cemetery, Brentwood
  • Dry Stacked Stone Walls, across Williamson County
  • Kellytown Archaeological Site, Northwest Brentwood/Williamson County
  • Green Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Triune
  • 1801 Historic Natchez Bridge and Road on Currey Farm, Franklin
  • Pryor Lillie’s Body of Work Architectural Design, unincorporated Williamson County
Staff at the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County plan to attend relevant public meetings regarding each of the sites on the list, consult with willing property owners and municipalities about the history of the properties and offer insight on preservation and restoration, and connect willing property owners with construction and preservation experts related to the needs of the sites.  REGIONAL GATHERING OF PRESERVATION LEADERS Along with the release of Sites to Save, Preservation Month kicked off the first week in May as the Tennessee Historical Commission elected to host its regional counterparts in Franklin, Tennessee with the Heritage Foundation for the Southeast Regional State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Meeting. The Commission chose Franklin and the Heritage Foundation to host more than 85 attendees across the southeast due to its exemplary position in the state in exhibiting best practices and preserving its character. “Franklin is recognized nationally for its historic preservation ethic, driven for more than half a century by the leadership of the Heritage Foundation,” said Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director of the Tennessee Historical Commission and State Historic Preservation Officer. “Our office is honored to share Franklin and Williamson County’s remarkable example with historic preservation leaders from across the Southeast.” The Historic Commission gathering will lead into public engagements celebrating Franklin’s national prominence as a preservation leader and the opportunities within the community. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit https://williamsonheritage.org/

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ABOUT THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has been dedicated to preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage as well as promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, PumpkinFest and Dickens of a Christmas bring an estimated 300,000+ locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year that creates more than a $10 million dollar economic impact annually. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and its newest historic adaptive reuse project: The History & Culture Center of Williamson County. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.