Heritage Foundation of Williamson County to Host 8th Annual Preservation Symposium on May 15
Community Forum Brings Together Preservation Leaders, Local Officials, Business Voices, and Citizens for Open Dialogue and Practical Strategies During National Preservation Month
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County will host its 8th Annual Preservation Symposium on Friday, May 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Williamson County Enrichment Center in Franklin, Tennessee. This year’s theme, “The Role of Preservation in a Thriving Community,” reflects a broadened mission: to convene a robust, community-wide conversation about what it means to grow thoughtfully — and what is at stake if Williamson County does not.
The Symposium takes place during National Preservation Month and is open to local leaders, elected officials, planners, developers, architects, business owners, historians, preservation professionals, and engaged residents across the region. Breakfast is included with registration. Seats are limited; registration closes May 10.
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM
The 8th Annual Preservation Symposium is designed as both a learning forum and a civic dialogue. The program features a nationally recognized keynote speaker, two expert panels, interactive presentations, open Q&A, and direct opportunities for community members to share their perspectives on the future of preservation in Williamson County.
Keynote speaker Tripp Muldrow, a nationally recognized expert in downtown planning, branding, and economic development, will open the program with a presentation on how historic preservation functions as a driver of economic vitality, community identity, and sustainable growth. His address will be followed by a live question-and-answer session open to all attendees.
Additional programming includes:
A Statewide Perspective on Preservation in Tennessee — featuring preservation leaders from Knox Heritage, Preserve Chattanooga, Memphis Heritage, the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County, and the Preservation Society of Nashville.
Local Flavor: Cemeteries, Stone Walls, Old Homes & New Developments — hands-on experts including a cemetery preservation specialist, a certified dry-stone mason, a historic homeowner and architect, and a Franklin historian discuss the craft and complexity of local preservation.
Where Culture Meets Capital: The Business Case for Preservation — leaders from the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Franklin, Kimley-Horn, 906 Studio Architects, the Jefferson Street Historical Society, and others examine preservation’s measurable economic and cultural impact.
The event also includes the Annual Preservation Awards, celebrating the individuals and organizations bringing Williamson County’s history to life through outstanding stewardship, advocacy, craftsmanship, and community impact.
“The Symposium is one of the most important things we do all year — not only because of what is said from the podium, but because of the conversations it sparks in the room. This is a space for citizens to speak, to ask the hard questions, and to leave with real tools they can use. Preservation is everyone’s work, and Williamson County needs every voice at the table right now.”
— Tyrus B. Sturgis, Chief Officer of Advocacy and Historic Stewardship, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County
A COMMUNITY AT A CROSSROADS
Williamson County is among the fastest-growing counties in the United States. As development accelerates across the region, The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has made it a central priority to ensure that growth and preservation are understood not as competing forces — but as complementary ones. The Symposium serves as a platform for making that case and equipping community members to be active participants in shaping what their county becomes.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of preservation efforts locally, regionally, and nationally — as well as insight into the specific challenges Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is navigating in real time, from cemetery conservation and historic homeownership to land use policy and heritage tourism.
“Williamson County’s character — its beauty, its story, its sense of belonging — is the very thing that draws people here. Our responsibility is to make sure it’s still here for the generations who come next. The Preservation Symposium is where that responsibility becomes a shared commitment.”
— Bari Beasley, President & CEO, The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County
