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The Folk Heritage Association of
Macon County (FHAMC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the
culture and folkways of our Southern Appalachian Mountains. In
this world of instant gratification and communication, unique and
important lessons can be learned from the lives of those whose
survival depended on ingenuity, hard work, and mutual help and
support from their neighbors. |
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The
founding members understood that with the increasing development
and changing life-styles in our county, this priceless heritage
was in danger of being lost, simply by our indifference and
neglect. |
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According
to Webster’s dictionary, heritage is “the culture which is handed
down to one by ancestors”; history is defined as “recorded
narrative of past events”. For many years, the Macon County
Historical Society has worked at preserving the history --
records, deeds, letters, pictures, genealogical records, and small
artifacts -- and presenting them through the Historical Museum.
This is an invaluable resource for our area. |
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As one of
the founders of the FHAMC, Shirley Ridge, said, “Heritage is the
living part of us; more than just reading or learning, it is a
part of who we are.” The FHAMC was organized to preserve this
“living heritage” of Macon County. Our immediate goal was to
develop a showcase for demonstrating the everyday skills, crafts,
and music; the long range goal was the creation of a permanent
Heritage Center. |
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With wide
community support, the Franklin Folk Festival was launched in
2004, and it has become one of the leading festivals in the
region. It is produced entirely by volunteers, and in 2009, over
5600 hours of volunteer time was donated. |
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On the
third Saturday in July every year, downtown Franklin comes alive
with over 100 heritage demonstrations and exhibits, farm exhibits,
kid’s games, youth talent show, heritage foods, car show, and
music all day. In addition, there is a Civil War Encampment and
Re-enactment, and an Early Farm Days Tractor Show. Everything
comes together for a Heritage Parade down Main Street at 11:00. In
addition, a special exhibit on 441S will showcase historic quilts
made here in Macon County and other textile demonstrations. |
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Through
much research and creative thinking, plans are progressing to
create a Living Heritage Center that would have a three-fold
purpose: (1) to preserve the cultural heritage; (2) to serve as an
educational resource for the region, and (3) to enhance economic
development of all of WNC by becoming a tourist destination. This
center would provide a wide range of interactive activities
demonstrating life as it used to be. Community leaders in
business, education, economic development, and tourism, plus the
town and county governments are working together to make this a
reality. |
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We
encourage others to step forward and become part of this effort,
for it is about each of us, both native and newly arrived; those
who lived it, and those who wish to understand it. |
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