“Perspectives in Preservation” To Be Discussed at Heritage Foundation’s 5th Annual Preservation Symposium and Awards on Saturday, May 7th
FRANKLIN, TN (April 13, 2022) – The fifth annual Preservation Symposium & Preservation Awards are being held on Saturday May 7, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Williamson County Enrichment Center as part of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s commemoration of National Preservation Month.
This year’s theme, “Perspectives in Preservation,” features nationally known speakers discussing historical preservation’s impact on communities, especially at the intersection of commerce, history, education, and advocacy. Keynote speakers are Chief Advocacy Officer for the Historic Charleston Foundation Cashion Drolet, historic real estate finance specialist and former executive director for Knox Heritage Kim Trent, and University of Mississippi anthropologist and professor Dr. Jodi Skipper.
“For 55 years, the preservation advocacy of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County transcends places and stories connected to our cultural heritage. ‘Perspectives in Preservation’ will highlight national, regional, and local trends on multiple perspectives on history, culture, advocacy, architecture, smart growth, and development that connects with people from all walks of life,” said Rachael Finch, Senior Director for Preservation, Education, and Advocacy. “We will also have a roundtable comprised of leaders from local and state historic organizations discussing ongoing projects and preservation advocacy.” Attendees are encouraged to engage in conversation surrounding preservation initiatives in Williamson County and Tennessee.
Chief Advocacy Officer for the Historic Charleston Foundation Cashion Drolet.
University of Mississippi anthropologist and professor Dr. Jodi Skipper.
Historic real estate finance specialist and former executive director for Knox Heritage Kim Trent.
The preservation team also plans to unveil the 2022 Sites to Save nominees at the event as well as the annual Preservation Award winners. Sites to Save is an annual list of historic places in Williamson County that are vulnerable to demolition, development or neglect. The Preservation Awards recognize rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, and craftsmanship of residential and commercial structures that complement the historic character of Williamson County. For decades, the Heritage Foundation has recognized preservation projects and individuals who made significant contributions within the field of historic preservation. To nominate someone for a preservation award, please visit www.WilliamsonHeritage.org/Preservation/Awards.
“Community educational programming has been the heart of our mission for many years at the Heritage Foundation,” said, Bari Beasley, President and CEO of Heritage Foundation. “We are excited to expand our vision this year to grow our educational offerings to continue to serve both children and adults in our community. The Symposium, now in its fifth year, is one of many great examples of outstanding annual programming in historic preservation offered to the community by the Heritage Foundation.”
The Preservation Symposium & Awards are being held at the Williamson County Enrichment Center at 110 Everbright Avenue in Franklin. Ticket information can be found at www.WilliamsonHeritage.org/PreservationSymposium.
The Preservation Symposium is supported by The Harpeth Hotel and Twine Graphics. Visit their websites at www.harpethhotel.com and www.twinegraphics.com.
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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 hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, the Downtown Franklin Association, and the organization’s newest division and current restoration project, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.
