WOMEN'S HISTORY TRAIL • FRANKLIN NC
Women's History Trail • Franklin, NC
The Women’s History Trail, a project sponsored by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC), is taking visible steps that will lead to big strides for women’s history by celebrating the lives of Macon County women, and honoring their accomplishments. This project is the first of its kind in North Carolina.
The Women's History Trail weaves together the disparate elements of our heritage: those of all levels of society; those of pioneer stock and those more recently arrived, telling their stories through various art mediums/exhibits and markers along a designated path through Franklin, NC. As you travel to each of the sites, you will be able to experience their history in a deeper, more personal way giving a greater sense of identity to these women.
We invite you to go "Walking in Her Steps" along the new Women's History Trail in Franklin, North Carolina.
WHT Sculpture Community Celebration Day
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and Women's History Trail saw hundreds of people join in the celebration and dedication of the "Sowing the Seeds of the Future" sculpture at Women's History Park on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
The Unveiling Ceremony, Sculpture Dedication, WHT Trailhead Designation and Donation to the Town of Franklin were all featured during the celebration that began at 11:00am.
Blue Jazz thrilled those in attendance with their music and a special rendention of the Sam Cooke classic, "Change Is Gonna Come".
» Click here to read all about the celebration and view photos from the day's activities.
Presented with Support from the Town of Franklin, TDA, TDC, Arts Council of Macon County, Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center & Individual Donors.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the many community donors, both individuals and businesses, that made Women's History Park and the "Sowing the Seeds of the Future" Sculpture possible.
FHAMC Women's History Trail Heritage Projects
"Walking in Her Steps"
Women's History Trail
The Women’s History Trail (WHT), a project of the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County, is dedicated to discovering and sharing the stories of the county’s remarkable women through public art and a marked trail. As visitors travel to each of the sites, they will be able to experience history in a deeper, more personal way giving a greater sense of identity to these women.
Park & Sculpture
This sculpture tells the story of three women - a Cherokee woman, an enslaved woman, and a pioneer woman - all connected by a specific piece of property that was on the Little Tennessee River across from the Noquisiyi (sometimes rendered as Nikwasi) Mound. It represents these historical women but also symbolizes each group of women and their cultural contributions that helped forge modern-day Franklin – and modern-day America.
Macon Matriarchs
The Women’s History Trail (WHT) project of the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) adopted an activity in 2018 that continues each March as a part of Women’s History Month.
This year Betty Warstler was named as the 2024 and 7th Macon Matriarch.
This year Betty Warstler was named as the 2024 and 7th Macon Matriarch.
Barbara McRae Scholarship
To encourage young women in their pursuit of educational goals, the WHT Barbara Sears McRae Academic Scholarship is given annually to a graduate who embraces community involvement, volunteerism, and academic achievement thus leading the way for advancement as they prepare for the future.
Other WHT Projects
FHAMC's Women's History Trail continues to seek ways to recognize the accomplishments of women in Macon County. Future projects will include educational components that tell their stories as well as guided Trail tours, monologue portrayals, and more historical events. Please contact us - the WHT Leadership Team welcomes the opportunity to share more about our projects.
Support the FHAMC
We encourage you to step forward and become part of our efforts by donating to the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and the Women's History Trail.
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.
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 a Project Donation Form (PDF)
» Download the FHAMC Brochure (PDF)
You can also support us by donation securely through PayPal.