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Learn more about the 2023
Preservation Awards
Each year Historic Columbia celebrates Preservation Month through an awards program. This year, HC recognized six notable examples of preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration projects that have maintained or added to Columbia and Richland County’s historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. In addition, two persons whose contributions have advanced local preservation efforts are championed through the distinguished Preservation Leadership Award.
Today at Historic Columbia
Start your experience at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills (1616 Blanding Street)
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 Events08 Jun
Thursday, June 8th: 10 — 10:45 a.m.
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Meet us in the Robert Mills House Gardens for stories, songs, and an activity led by Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff!
08 Jun
Thursday, June 8th: 6 — 7:30 p.m.
Renovation Rodeo | Forest Acres
TBA, Columbia, SC 29204
Join Palladium on Thursday, June 8, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. to tour a newly renovated home in charming Forest Acres! Hear firsthand accounts about the renovation process and gain insight into the history of the home and Forest Acres. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres as well as beer and wine...
11 Jun
Sunday, June 11th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.
1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Explore Main Street with Historic Columbia on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
12 Jun
Monday, June 12th — Friday, June 16th: 9 a.m.—4 p.m.
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Each summer, Historic Columbia holds two sessions of a summer day camp where history comes to life through interactive activities and exploration of the gardens, grounds, and houses of Historic Columbia. Campers ages 8 to 12 are invited to take an adventure in time as we explore what it was...
18 Jun
Sunday, June 18th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Mann-Simons Site
1403 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201
Residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE once a month thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured house is the Mann-Simons Site, where a collection of commercial and domestic spaces were once owned and operated by the same African American family from at least 1843 until 1970.
10 Jul
Monday, July 10th — Friday, July 14th: 9 a.m.—4 p.m.
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Each summer, Historic Columbia holds two sessions of a summer day camp where history comes to life through interactive activities and exploration of the gardens, grounds, and houses of Historic Columbia. Campers ages 8 to 12 are invited to take an adventure in time as we explore what it was...
16 Jul
Sunday, July 16th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | 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.
18 Jul
Tuesday, July 18th: 10 — 10:45 a.m.
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Meet us in the gardens of the Robert Mills Hosue for stories, songs, and an activity led by Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff!
10 Aug
Thursday, August 10th: 3:15 — 4 p.m.
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Meet us in the gardens at the Robert Mills House for stories, songs, and an activity led by Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff!
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...
06 Oct
Friday, October 6th: 6 — 8 p.m.
"Kugels & Collards" Launch Party & Book Signing
1601 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina and Historic Columbia for a book signing celebrating the launch of Kugels & Collards, a lively collection of South Carolina Jewish stories and special family recipes. In this book, authors Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey explore the food history, traditions...
19 Oct
Thursday, October 19th: 7 — 10 p.m.
19th Annual Palladium Silent Auction | Bidding & BBQ
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us on October 19, 2023 for the 19th Annual Palladium Silent Auction | Bidding & BBQ! This annual celebration of live music featuring Prettier Than Matt, delicious barbecue, and specialty drinks will be held on the grounds of the Hampton Preston Mansion and Gardens, located at 1615 Blanding Street...
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