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Presenting the recipients of the 2026
Preservation Awards
On May 14, nine properties were recognized for their preservation efforts during the Preservation Awards ceremony. In addition, Historic Columbia presented two Preservation Leadership awards and introduced the new Traditional Building Arts award. These people and places exemplify why preservation work is vital to our city and our nation, as we work to protect places and stories.
Today at Historic Columbia
Start your experience at the Welcome Center (1616 Blanding Street)
House Tour
Journey to Freedom Tour: Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
3 p.m.
House Tour
Robert Mills House
12 p.m.
Public Garden Hours
Gardens at Robert Mills House
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 Hampton-Preston Mansion
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Preserving Our Stories
Tours
Connect with History
Our four house tours give you the chance to explore Columbia's history from antebellum to Civil Rights.
Upcoming Events
See All Events17 May
Sunday, May 17th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.
28 May
Thursday, May 28th: 8 — 9 a.m.
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 Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia.
28 May
Thursday, May 28th: 6 — 7:30 p.m.
Renovation Rodeo | Main Street District
TBA, Columbia, SC 29201
Enjoy an opportunity to tour a recently renovated apartment inside a beautifully restored 1901 downtown building, highlighting Classical Revival architecture and Columbia’s rich commercial past.
07 Jun
Sunday, June 7th: 12 — 3:30 p.m.
Palladium Tour | Life on Main Street
1530 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the heart of Columbia as Palladium Tour invites guests to tour an exciting mix private residences, short-term rentals, and dynamic commercial spaces throughout the vibrant 1500 block of Main Street.
11 Jun
Thursday, June 11th: 8 — 9 a.m.
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 Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia.
11 Jun
Thursday, June 11th: 6 — 7:30 p.m.
Columbia Conversations | The South Carolina Backcountry and the Winning of Independence
1616 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join Historic Columbia for a talk and book signing by Carl Borick. His new book, Backcountry Resistance: South Carolina's Militia and the Fight for American Independence, explores the critical role that those living in the less-settled South Carolina interior, including the area which is now Richland County, played in resisting...
14 Jun
Sunday, June 14th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.
1800 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the Arsenal Hill neighborhood.
21 Jun
Sunday, June 21st: 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! This month, visit the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.
28 Jun
Sunday, June 28th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.
Hollywood-Rose Hill Walking Tour
216 South Gregg Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhood.
19 Jul
Sunday, July 19th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.
BullStreet District Walking Tour
2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Explore the BullStreet District with Historic Columbia.
19 Jul
Sunday, July 19th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month’s featured property is the Mann-Simons Site.
01 Aug
Saturday, August 1st: 10 — 11 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join Chris Mathis, Horticulture Manager at Historic Columbia, on a guided tour of the diverse tree collection in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Robert Mills House. From South Carolina natives to exotic species rarely seen in cultivation, each seasonal Tree Trek walking tour highlights a different...
13 Aug
Thursday, August 13th: 8 — 9 a.m.
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 Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia.
16 Aug
Sunday, August 16th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.
23 Aug
Sunday, August 23rd: 1 — 2:30 p.m.
1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Explore the Congaree Vista with Historic Columbia.
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.
Join TodayWhy 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.
Join TodayWhy 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