About Historic Columbia
Our Pillars
Preservation
We advocate for the preservation of historic properties and artifacts in Columbia and Richland County.
Learn MoreOur Pillars
Education
We keep neighborhood history alive in the hearts and minds of today's residents through tours, educational programs and special events.
Learn MoreOur Pillars
Advocacy
We work with government agencies to secure our legacy for the future.
Learn MoreWe are the stewards of Columbia's past, present and future.
Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbia and Richland County's historic and cultural heritage. We are meaningful in many ways:
- We are historic houses and beautiful gardens.
- We are a museum under many roofs.
- We are dedicated to delivering engaging programs and events.
- We are champions for historic preservation.
- We are a resource for our community.
- We offer history lessons inside and outside the classroom.
- We are a unique special events destination.
Vision
We will harness the power of history to inspire curiosity and catalyze community engagement.
Mission
We share the complex history of Columbia and Richland County through historic preservation advocacy, innovative educational programs, and strategic partnerships.
Values
Welcoming: We behave in a way that makes people feel safe to open themselves up to a variety of concepts and experiences.
Inclusive: We are intentional about ongoing efforts to include a diversity of individuals in decision-making.
Informed: We work consistently and collaboratively with partners to amplify learning.
Responsible: We are proactive in encouraging thoughtfulness, weighing possible outcomes, and considering what is best for the organization and Columbia/Richland County.
Evolving: We continuously make improvements to Historic Columbia’s policies, facilities, programs, and interpretations. Open to new ideas and suggestions from the public, we invite collaboration.
Join Us
There are many ways in which you can get involved. Learn more about how you can support our mission and vision.
Recent News from Historic Columbia
Why Palladium - Patrick Cleary
Each month, Historic Columbia introduces one of its Palladium members. This series is designed to highlight individuals from HC’s dynamic group of diverse professionals. Meet Patrick Cleary How long have you been involved with Palladium? Seven years. Where are you originally from? Hartsville, South Carolina. If you are not from...
From the Desk of Palladium President Patrick Cleary
As president of Palladium, I am very thankful for all of our members. Your membership helps Historic Columbia serve as the stewards of Columbia's past, present and future and provide opportunities for people to engage with the city’s history. In the past year, much of that engagement occurred online, and...
Why you should enter Palladium's Home History Raffle
Image courtesy South Caroliniana Library By Lauren Elliott Palladium Board Member Our homes are alive with stories from previous owners just waiting to be told. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write “Haunted Houses” while living in the house that had served as General George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege...
Naturally-dyed Easter Egg Recipes
Happy Easter! Enjoy with this fun egg-dying activity! Dyes made separately: For these, you can dye eggs in 2 ways: Put already hard boiled eggs in mixture of 1 T vinegar and dye and put in fridge for up to 12 hours. The more time in dye, the darker the...