House Tour
The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
10:30 a.m.
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February 25, 2023
Behind-the-Scenes Tour at The Babcock
Join Historic Columbia for an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes tour and explore how The Babcock's historic uses have informed its current preservation and restoration.
Today at Historic Columbia
Start your experience at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills (1616 Blanding Street)
House Tour
Robert Mills House
3 p.m.
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
Gardens at Seibels House
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Preserving Our Stories
Celebrating Our 60th Year
Three generations ago, on November 14, 1961, a group of impassioned citizens officially formed Historic Columbia Foundation.
LGBTQ+ Columbia History Initiative
The LGBTQ+ Columbia History Initiative documents the often unseen and untold stories of this diverse community through oral histories, archival collections, and historic site interpretation.
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 Events01 Feb
Every Wednesday through Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. during the month of February
Featured: Black History Month Tour
In celebration of Black History Month, Historic Columbia is offering a combined tour of both the Mann-Simons Site and the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House. This tour lasts approximately 1.25 hours and will meet at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills, where tickets can be purchased. Guests should drive from there...
04 Feb
Saturday, February 4th: 2 — 4 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join authors Chef Kevin Mitchell and Professor David Shields for a lively discussion of their award-winning book, Taste the State: South Carolina’s Signature Foods, Recipes, and Their Stories. The book presents the cultural histories of local ingredients and showcases specialty dishes found throughout the various regions of the state. Kevin...
19 Feb
Sunday, February 19th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
1705 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Every third Sunday of the month through our 60th anniversary year, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free! This month, visit The Museum of the Reconstruction Era, the nation's only museum dedicated to interpreting the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and South Carolina's only remaining presidential site.
19 Feb
Sunday, February 19th: 4 — 5 p.m.
"The Green Book of South Carolina" Book Signing
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Due to circumstances out of our control, we must reschedule the book signing. It will now be held Sunday, Feb. 19 at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to pick up your book copy before the rescheduled event, you can do so by coming to the Gift Shop at Robert...
25 Feb
Saturday, February 25th: 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour at The Babcock
2110 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us as we explore the past, present and future of the former Department of Mental Health campus for an exclusive tour of the The Babcock Building. Once a city within a city, Columbia's BullStreet District offers an exciting blend of historic landmark buildings and modern amenities.
09 Mar
Thursday, March 9th: 5:30 — 7 p.m.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour at 1216-1218 Taylor Street
Check out the Columbia Historic Commercial District’s latest Historic Tax Credit rehabilitation – 1216-1218 Taylor Street! Built in 1915, these buildings have historically hosted everything from grocery stores, a bakery, a sporting goods store, and two toy stores. Following rehabilitation, they will offer retail and residential space, courtesy of LTC...
23 Mar
Thursday, March 23rd: 6 — 8 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia to present a beautiful concert of light classics in the gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Please plan to arrive any time after 6 p.m. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and last an hour. Bring your own blanket or...
27 Apr
Thursday, April 27th: 6 — 8 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia to present a beautiful concert of light classics in the gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Please plan to arrive any time after 6 p.m. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and last an hour. Bring your own blanket or...
11 May
Thursday, May 11th: 5 — 6:30 p.m.
2023 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.
16 Sep
Saturday, September 16th: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture
1403 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Save the Date! Join Historic Columbia at Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. Now in its 45th year, this free outdoor festival brings musicians, artisans, dancers and storytellers together to celebrate South Carolina’s Black history and culture on the...
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