Dear friends and supporters,
Due to ongoing health concerns and continued unknowns created by the COVID-19 global pandemic, I am here to share a very difficult announcement which impacts our community and marks an unprecedented time in the history of the Heritage Foundation.
The Heritage Foundation has a mission to save places and stories that matter in Williamson County, which includes hosting long-standing signature events that create cultural community engagement. These events also serve to generate much-needed operational revenue to keep our preservation, education and community programs going.
With a clear focus on the health and safety of our community, and after much deliberation and review of economic impact, virtual options and health and government updates, the Heritage Foundation and our Board of Directors have agreed to cancel all live festivals and events for the remainder of 2020.
In addition, we will postpone all further programming at the Franklin Theatre effective June 18, 2020 with the exception of two concert events previously scheduled in July.
The Foundation events which will be cancelled for 2020 include:
We have also made the decision to cancel the 47th Annual Heritage Ball scheduled for October 3, which is the longest-running black-tie event in Williamson County and the Foundation’s largest fundraiser.
All remaining programming, movies and events at The Franklin Theatre as of June 18, 2020 will be postponed, with the exception of two concert events previously scheduled in July (details to come).
The new live performance series slated to launch this fall will also be postponed. We are currently making our best effort to reschedule these events into our 2021/22 season and pledge to keep you informed of our progress along the way. Current ticket holders will be contacted with options, and new dates for the Performing Arts Series and other 2021/22 programming will be forthcoming.
I know this announcement is terribly disappointing to our community, vendors, local businesses and all of our supporters, but firmly believe this is the best decision to ensure that the Heritage Foundation can continue to serve our community for generations to come.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have attended any of our festivals, supported our annual fundraiser ball, or visited our beloved Franklin Theatre. Creating community and connecting people with our local heritage is critical to the mission of the Foundation. Without these major community fundraising events and theatre programming for operational revenue, we need your support now more than ever.
Only with your support can our team continue to bolster advocacy and education for historical preservation, continue our current preservation projects, and support downtown Main Street merchants through this unprecedented season. But we can’t do it without you — our community and our supporters.
We need you to be part of the story this year, so it will be possible to make 2021 a year of community celebration, reviving our downtown Franklin signature festivals and events, and filling the Franklin Theatre with the new live performing arts season.
Our team is here to answer any questions and support our community that we love to serve.
The role you play this year will be part of our story for generations to come. Please donate, join our Leadership Society, become a member or a volunteer. Just be part of the story and help us keep it going!
Bari Beasley
Chief Executive Officer