Heritage Ball 2025 Blends Glamour, Generosity and a Deep Love for Preservation

On an October evening, black cars glided along the winding, black-topped roads of Williamson County, slipping through rolling hills and bucolic scenery. Many move to Franklin for that very experience — to escape the city’s bustle and find a place where history still whispers on the wind. The destination that evening was Franklin’s Bicentennial Park for the 52nd annual Heritage Ball. 

Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has worked to preserve the region’s architectural, geographic and cultural legacy. The Heritage Ball continues this mission by raising funds to support the revitalization of historic downtown Franklin and other treasured sites across the county.

Guests arrived at the pavilion to find a tent draped in moss-green, mauve and blush fabric. Servers offered trays of Champagne and delicious hors d’oeuvres as guests stopped to admire the gorgeous gemstones on display from Diamond Cellar. Co-chairs Debbie and Bo Segers, along with honorary chairs SuSu and Ed Silva, greeted friends and fellow supporters during cocktail hour before dinner began.

When the dinner chimes played, the doors of the tent opened, and guests made their way to their tables. As they settled in, they heard heartfelt sentiments about why preservation and conservation are important. The Patron Award went to longtime Franklin residents and passionate volunteers Kay and Bob Musgrove and to Hunter Jones for championing the next generation of preservation. The award, given annually, recognizes exceptional leadership and significant contributions to preservation efforts in Williamson County.

Bari Beasley, the organization’s president and CEO, spoke from the heart about what she’d learned so far in her eight-and-a-half-year tenure. “I did not know yet the joy that these years would bring me in learning about the historic Watson House or Old Town — or the old, old jail and the old, old, old jail,” she said. “It’s the people, it’s the places, it’s the stories, it’s the community that make this place so magical.”

To close out the evening, singer-songwriter Walker Hayes entertained the crowd with some of his top hits. Guests danced the night away at the Late Party — chaired by Mica and Will Clark — to the terrific tunes of Universal Crush.