The “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County. This month, we feature Rick Warwick. Rick has been Williamson County’s historian since 2017, but his passion for history started well before then. When someone needs information on a historic site, person or business, Rick is the man with the answers. He holds the stories of our county’s past, and is also the keeper of the pictures that tell those stories. He has made it his life’s mission to be loyal to the legends that have created our community and is proud to tell everyone about them. We are proud to tell a part of Rick’s story and learn a little more about him in our “I Am Williamson” interview.
How long have you lived in Williamson County? What is it about WC that makes it feel like home to you?
Since August 1970, Elaine and I have lived in Williamson County.
Who would want to live anywhere else?
What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?
After twenty-five years in the classroom and as a school librarian, I changed direction and followed my bliss to researching local history.
How long have you been sharing office space at the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County?
In 1995, Mary Pearce invited me to share space in the Heritage Foundation office in the old post office, and they haven’t run me off yet.
Three words that best describe you.
Dedicated, Loyal and Joyful.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading a good book, mainly biographies and history.
Where is your favorite place to go in Williamson county and why?
I enjoy driving the county roads in southwestern Williamson County.
My favorite area is south and north Lick Creek.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
I love meeting new people who want to know more about Williamson County. I get excited when someone brings me a box of old photographs to scan and add to my Flickr site. I have over 23,000 and counting.
What organizations are you involved with and why?
I presently serve as president of the Williamson County Historical Society, and I have been a member since 1974. Over the years, I have served on the following boards: Carter House, Carnton, Heritage Foundation, African American Heritage Society, Franklin’s Charge and the History Boys Tuesday Luncheon.
Finish this statement: I Am Williamson because…
I Am Williamson because I do my best to record its history and share my findings in twenty-plus books.
