Our Mission
The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of our region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences.
Though the Heritage Alliance only began in 2001, it actually has a much longer history. The present organization resulted from a merger of three previously existing organizations, each of which was dedicated to different aspects of historic preservation and heritage education. These organizations were the Jonesborough Civic Trust, the Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum, and the Historic Jonesborough Foundation. Each of these organizations dates back to the 1970s. The present Heritage Alliance, with headquarters in the historic Duncan House in Jonesborough, maintains important aspects of each of these prior organizations while increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication of effort. Our expanded mission now recognizes the role we play, not only in Jonesborough and Washington County, but also in the wider region.
Our Philosophy of Preservation and Education
The mission of the Heritage Alliance combines historic preservation with history education. We believe that blending these dimensions enables us to provide uniquely effective services to a wide range of public audiences, including adults and children, local citizens and tourists.
The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to advocating and providing technical support for the preservation of our region’s architecture, developing innovative museum experiences that bring history onto our public streets, and providing unique history education opportunities for both the people who live in our region and the people who visit it.
Our goal is to influence and encourage individuals, businesses, and local governments to actively participate in the nationwide movement to preserve, revitalize and appreciate the past that is part of the fabric of our everyday life.