Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve, protect, enhance and activate the William Edmondson Homesite Park and Gardens as a living legacy to groundbreaking African American sculptor William Edmondson, and to foster a creative, vibrant, and safe public space for all of Nashville to enjoy.
Highlights
EDGEHILL HEROES ARBORETUM
Watch us grow! Since 2020, with the help of the Nashville Tree Foundation, we’ve planted dozens of unique tree species, earning a Level 1 Arboretum status from Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. In Spring, 2024, we’re planting over 25 additional trees, bringing our total species planted, labeled and identified to over 60! This will be enough to elevate us to Level 2 status.
HONORING EDGEHILL HEROES
Take a walk in the park and you’ll notice many of the trees are adorned with special medallions to honor historic Edgehill figures who were important to the development of Nashville. This historic African American neighborhood was home to groudbreaking artists, musicians, architects, activists and community leaders. The history of the park and of the Edgehill community is rich!
WILLIAM EDMONDSON HISTORIC SITE
Groundbreaking artist William Edmondson created his work at his home on the park site, carving his limestone figures under the shade of a barnlike studio shed, and displaying them in his yard. You can stand in the shade of the oak trees he planted, in the very spot where he created his work under “divine instruction”, and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature that inspired his work.
‘WE FEST’ ANNUAL ARTS FAIR
Our annual William Edmondson Arts & Culture Fest (“WE Fest”) is held the last Saturday in October, coinsiding with the anniversary of his 1937 history-making exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. The free commuity festival in the park features an art fair, music and performances, kid’s activities, and food trucks. It celebrates Nashville’s most famous artist by spotlighting diverse Nashville artists and craftspeople, with a focus on African American and other historically-underrepresented artists. Our 2024 WE Fest is Saturday, October 26, from 10AM to 4PM.
Applications now open!
Events and Celebrations
This October 26, 2024, we honor William Edmondson with a free Arts & Culture Festival in the park. This annual affair brings together artists, food vendors, musicians, and kid’s activities. Other community activities include an annual Easter Egg Hunt, and more.
Edgehill Heroes Arboretum
Edgehill neighborhood has a rich history, as one of the city’s oldest historically African-American neighborhoods. The Edgehill Heroes Arboretum honors these ancestors; many of whom, like William Edmondson, DeFord Bailey, and Moses McKissack, are nationally-renowned.
Community Greenspace
The Edmondson Homesite Park features a multipurpose playing field, a walking trail, and fitness track. The park is maintained by neighborhood volunteers. Recently we partnered with Nashville Soccer Club to open a youth soccer pitch where neighborhood children can play and learn fundamentals under the supervision of adult coaches.
