26 CITY OF FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE Publish a Calendar of Heritage Events With so many museums and historical societies in the area, there are many opportunities to learn more about facets of Franklin’s history and to even unearth your own family genealogy. A quarterly calendar of heritage events published in the local newspaper would provide both residents and visitors with ready access to the myriad of opportunities. It could also provide greater visibility and increase visitation at sites such as Carnton Plantation. Document the History and Culture of Franklin: An Oral History Project The City of Franklin has a long and diverse history. Many of the previous efforts to document the history and culture have focused mainly on the Civil War. While an important part of Franklin’s history, there is a need to support efforts for documenting local history beyond this short period of time. Projects such as oral histories and history-related public events should be used to document topics such as the Revolutionary War, African-American heritage, and agricultural history. The culture and history of traditional African American neighborhoods like Hard Bargain largely remain in the memories of long-time residents. Oral histories are spoken memories, stories, and personal commentaries of historical significance that living individuals tell about their own past. The histories may include anecdotes, family traditions, songs, and information associated with pictures, documents, and other records. Because those who provide the information are generally elderly members of the community, both their lives and their memories are at risk of being lost to time. Oral histories are particularly useful when the information does not exist anywhere else. Therefore, oral histories should be carefully researched, taperecorded, and transcribed creating an archival history intended for the widest possible use. These oral histories could be especially useful for the African American Heritage Society’s museum/education center currently being developed. Create a Community Heritage Center With a history as rich and lively as Franklin, one would expect to have a centrally located museum or center that orients residents and visitors and provides programming on local heritage. Yet, such a facility is lacking in Franklin. How can a new resident, a visitor –
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