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”. The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County was created to preserve heritage through educational projects that link our past to the future and make Macon County heritage come alive through demonstrations and hands-on activities.

The Franklin Area Folk Festival was started as a vehicle to accomplish the task of providing living history experiences and even though the last festival was held in 2023, we will continue providing new projects that celebrate our Appalachian heritage.

The FHAMC was organized to preserve this “living heritage” of Macon County. We encourage you to step forward and become part of our efforts, for it is about each of us, both native and newly arrived; those who lived it, and those who wish to understand it.

DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST FHAMC BROCHURE » (PDF)

For more information call (828) 524-6564.

 

FHAMC partners with merchants for "Passport to the Past" History Hunt

 

 

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, local friends, intergenerational families, and area visitors all joined together to celebrate Women’s History Month by participating in the WHT “Passport to the Past” as part of the monthly Franklin Downtown Merchants’ Sip and Stroll program.

The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County partnered with the merchants to provide a history hunt to give participants an opportunity to “Walk in Her Steps” and visit fourteen of the WHT sites in town to learn more about women or groups of women who helped shape Macon County’s early days. Passports were picked up at the Macon County Historical Museum which directed folks to trail sites and partnering businesses for validation then back to the museum to exchange completed passports for a chance to win gift baskets provided by the merchants. Pictured are some of the trailblazers seeking clues for the “Passport to the Past.”

 

Women's History Park receives state award

 

 

The Women's History Park in East Franklin and the Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture has received statewide recognition as a “Great Place for Public Art.”

The North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association presents the “Great Places Across NC” awards. The annual awards range from public recreation parks, downtown redevelopment areas, comprehensive plans and public art. Franklin Town Planner Justin Setser nominated the “Sowing the Seeds of the Future” sculpture and the Women’s History Park for the public art award.

The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) and the Women’s History Trail (WHT) donated the sculpture to the town and worked with the town on creating the Women’s History Park between the town bridges in East Franklin.

On Oct. 15, APANC presented the award to the Town of Franklin, recognizing the Women’s History Park as a “Great Place for Public Art in NC.” Franklin Mayor Jack Horton, Justin Setser, FHAMC / WHT representatives Marty Greeble and Mary Polanski, sculptor Wesley Wofford and wife Odyssey received the award at the 2025 APANC & APASC Joint Conference in Charlotte.

During the presentation, a brief acceptance video introduced the park and sculpture by sharing pictures of the site along with this narrative: “The Women’s History Park, nestled in East Franklin by the Little Tennessee River, is a tribute to honor women. Stone hardscaping crafted into benches surrounds the bronze plaques that tell these women’s stories. Overlooking the banks of the river and standing as a gateway into Franklin, the park is home to “Sowing the Seeds of the Future.” This historic monument created by Academy Award winning sculptor Wesley Wofford, was gifted as public art to the town by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County. It serves as the trailhead for the Women’s History Trail, a designated walking path celebrating women, a dream of the late community leader, Barbara McRae.”

READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARD ON THE WOMEN'S HISTORY TRAIL WEBSITE »

 

2025 Folk Heritage Award

 

 

On Thursday, June 26, 2025 during the planting day event for the "Native Plant Garden" sponsored by FHAMC, Anne Hyder was given the Folk Heritage Award in appreciation of outstanding leadership and support in preserving the heritage of Macon County. Anne joined the Folk Festival Committee in 2008 as coordinator of children's activities and later served as co-chair of the Franklin Area Folk Festival, joining the FHAMC Board of Directors in 2010. In 2014, she was elected chair of the board and held that position for 11 years. Today, she continues her commitment to preserving our mountain heritage by being an important voice on the WHT leadership Team and the FHAMC Executive Board.

FHAMC also acknowledged the work of former WHT co-chairs, Mary Polanski and Marty Greeble, and thanked them for all their momentous efforts in spearheading the WHT projects leading up to the 2024 dedication of the WHT sculpture to the Town of Franklin as public art. They each chose a favorite native plant and location on-site as a special remembrance. Currently, Marty joins Anne Hyder, Claire Suminski and Theresa Ramsey as part of theWHT leadership team to continue other WHT projects: Annual Barbara Sears McRae Scholarship, WHT Macon Matriarch Award, and overseeing the Women's History Walking Trail.