It’s no secret that Nashville has a storied past, and although our city continues to grow and change, many Nashvillians are making strides in preserving some of the historical neighborhoods and landmarks that help define our remarkable city. Such is the case for singer/songwriter Kelleigh Bannen and ADR Creative owner Colson Horton, the co-founders of Nashville’s newest historic preservation nonprofit: the Preservation Society of Nashville. And, you, too, can be a member!
“Nashville’s unprecedented season of growth has brought remarkable opportunities and so much prosperity to our city, and we honor that. However, the need for historic preservation has never been greater or more urgent,” said Kelleigh in an official statement. “We believe we can both celebrate Nashville’s growth while offering the chance to shape that growth in a way that honors Nashville’s unique history and places. This is the moment as citizens reflect and purposefully consider how we can continue to grow without abandoning what makes Nashville so vibrant. The Preservation Society of Nashville will be Davidson County’s only preservation nonprofit with paid staff focused on citywide advocacy, education, and historic preservation.”
“Our town has always had an incredible ability to mobilize in times of need,” added Colson in the same press release. “Preservation and strategic growth are a citywide concern, and we invite all communities to join our cause to help protect what makes Nashville so special.”
The organization officially launches today to protect and champion Nashville’s stories, neighborhoods, and architecture through various educational, advocacy, and preservation efforts. These endeavors will include everything from hosting workshops and community engagement events to building relationships with government officials and developers, promoting the renovation and repurposing of historic buildings for new use, and so much more.
All the while, the organization will also be working to fund one to two full-time employees in the first year, establish funds to amplify its mission and provide approachable education opportunities to keep Nashville residents informed.
The organization also offers membership opportunities starting at $25 per person. Every level includes member-only email updates and newsletters, alerts about important preservation issues, and invitations to programs and special events.
Or, if you join the Preservation Society of Nashville before the end of December 2023 and contribute $500 or more in the first year, you can receive recognition in the annual report, an invitation to fundraising galas, and access to Founding Members-only appreciation events.
The organization’s board of directors includes both Kelleigh and Colson as well as Nick Birren (Alliance Bernstein), Gary Burke, Nick Dryden (Dryden Architecture and Design), Rachel Halvorson (Rachel Halvorson Designs), Lynn Maddox (Vanderbilt University), Keith Meacham (Reed Smythe & Company), Sam Reed (Jigsaw Consulting), Mark Simmons (Mark Simmons Interiors), Cyril Stewart (Cyril Stewart Architects), Brian Tibbs (Moody Nolan), Mary Ann Weprin (AJ Capital Partners), and Holly Williams (H. Audrey and White’s Mercantile).
To become a member or learn more about the Preservation Society of Nashville, visit preservenashville.com.
All photography by Peyton Hoge.
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