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The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is closed on Sunday, May 18. All other sites and tours will run as scheduled, including Free Sunday at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

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May is

Preservation Month

Historic Columbia serves as the primary advocate for preservation throughout Columbia and Richland County. Join us in celebrating the importance of historic preservation in the Capital City!

Learn More

Mark your calendars!

  • Thursday, May 15th

    2025 Preservation Awards Ceremony

Today at Historic Columbia

Start your experience at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills (1616 Blanding Street)

Public Garden Hours

Gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Public Garden Hours

Gardens at Robert Mills

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Public Garden Hours

Garden at Woodrow Wilson Family Home

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Public Garden Hours

Gardens at Seibels House

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Preserving Our Stories

Preservation Economic Impact Study Report Released

The first of its kind for the Midlands, this report details the collective impact historic preservation has on Columbia's economy in four main areas: Jobs, Investment, Tourism Revenues, and Property Value Growth.

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Research Projects and Initiatives

Historic Columbia is committed to preserving places and sharing complex stories from the past that connect us in the present and inspire our future. Read about our current and recent research projects that highlight Columbia's history.

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Explore HC's Collection

Historic Columbia is continually striving to make our 4,000+ object collection digitally available to the public for education and research purposes. New objects and edits to current entries will be published routinely.

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Tours

Connect with History

Our four house tours give you the chance to explore Columbia's history from antebellum to Civil Rights.

Take a Tour

Upcoming Events

See All Events

15 May

Thursday, May 15th: 5 — 6:30 p.m.

2025 Preservation Awards Ceremony

701 Whaley St., Columbia, SC 29201

Join Historic Columbia as we celebrate National Historic Preservation month by recognizing exemplary work in preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and revitalization in Columbia and Richland County.

Learn More

18 May

Woodrow Wilson Family Home

Sunday, May 18th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era

1705 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

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18 May

Main St

Sunday, May 18th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

Main Street Walking Tour

1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Explore Main Street with Historic Columbia.

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22 May

Thursday, May 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...

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12 Jun

Thursday, June 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...

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15 Jun

Sunday, June 15th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

2025 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.

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26 Jun

Thursday, June 26th: 6 — 7:30 p.m.

Renovation Rodeo | Heathwood West

TBA, Columbia, SC 29205

Join Palladium on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. to view an extensively renovated home located in the Heathwood West neighborhood. Attendees of this Renovation Rodeo will have the unique chance to tour the home and learn about its history and renovation process. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle...

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29 Jun

Sunday, June 29th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

Heathwood Walking Tour

800 Abelia Road, Columbia, SC 29205

Explore Heathwood with Historic Columbia.

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13 Jul

Sunday, July 13th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

BullStreet District Walking Tour

2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the heart of the BullStreet District and the rich history of the former main campus of the South Carolina State Hospital, highlighting the experiences of patients, caregivers, and family members from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. Their stories and the retention of historically significant buildings have driven Historic Columbia’s preservation advocacy efforts throughout the site’s redevelopment as The BullStreet District.

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20 Jul

Hampton-Preston Mansion

Sunday, July 20th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Hampton-Preston Mansion

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.

Learn More

17 Aug

Mann-Simons Site

Sunday, August 17th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Mann-Simons Site

1403 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Mann-Simons Site.

Learn More

20 Sep

Saturday, September 20th: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture

1403 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Experience the vibrant spirit of history and culture at the 47th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture, presented by Absolute Total Care and hosted by Historic Columbia! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a spectacular day filled with music, art...

Learn More

21 Sep

Sunday, September 21st: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Robert Mills House

1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.

Learn More

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Why Join?

If you look around, you’ll see Historic Columbia’s advocacy work everywhere—from the Bull Street development to the new Palmetto Compress building…and we’ve got big plans to save even more historic properties from demolition, but we need the help of people like you to make it happen.

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Why Join?

Your membership helps us create entertaining historical programming that brings people from diverse age groups and backgrounds together. Our educational programs help explain the connections between our past and present, using history as a prism for a deeper understanding.

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Why Join?

As a member, you’ll get discounted admission and early access to our most popular events. Joining Historic Columbia is a great way to “plug in” to the city’s professional network and get involved in your community.

Join Today
NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tours
All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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