Blog
Rosey & David at Seibels House
Rosey and David’s stunning winter wedding reception was held at the historic Seibels House & Garden , after a memorable ceremony at Our Lady of the Hills church on December 15, 2019. Rosey was beautiful in her frosty white dress from Jo Lin’s Bridal and David looked sharp for the...
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Our Popular Cemetery Tours Return April 11
In honor of one of Historic Columbia’s most popular tours returning next week, here are some highlights of just a few of the countless interesting stories hidden in the historic Elmwood Cemetery. James Henley Thornwell was a professor at South Carolina College who joined the faculty in 1837 and replaced William Campbell Preston as the institution’s president. Thornwell’s term...
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Found Footage Project Provides Glimpse Into 1970s Columbia
Discovered by an intern at the University of South Carolina Libraries’ Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC), ‘Hip Tags’ is an intriguing orphan film mystery with 1970s Columbia, SC as its main character. Without any provenance and defying description, this hypnotic film was passed from MIRC to Historic Columbia where staff...
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Becky & Matt at Seibels House
Becky and Matt said “Yes!” to forever on November 10, 2018. While their ceremony was scheduled elsewhere, they prepared for the big day with their wedding party at the Seibels House . Hairstyles by Lauren gave Becky an elegant updo, while Casie B. provided stunningly classic makeup services. Holly Graciano...
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Restore, Don't Replace Your Old Windows
Historic windows are both lenses and frames. These vital architectural features can define the character of whole neighborhoods and help us see our community in a whole new light. Newly restored window at the Kensington Mansion Often, damage to historic windows is superficial—someone painted them shut, the sash sags, they’re...
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James Clyburn Announces New Reconstruction Era Network
I am excited to be here today in support of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act bill. With the goals of creating a Reconstruction Network that will enhance collaboration across SC, the region and the country. In 2008, our organization began the process of rehabilitating a home that was...
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Searching for Motel Simbeth
On 20 October 1955, Jet , a national weekly digest with a primarily black audience, published the expose “ SOUTH CAROLINA’S PLOT TO STARVE NEGROES .” The six-page piece described efforts by White Citizens Councils in Clarendon and Orangeburg counties to create an “economic squeeze” on black community members. The...
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Modjeska Monteith Simkins: An Advocate for the People
Modjeska Monteith Simkins was born in Columbia, S.C. on December 5, 1899, into a society that legally dispossessed women and people of color of their civil liberties. Over the course of her 92 years, she displayed a courage and perseverance that many argue was unmatched. Today, Simkins is rightfully lauded...
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#TBT: Motel Simbeth + Cornwell Tourist Home
We’ve talked about the Green Book before in this series , but here’s a refresher: As automobile travel grew increasingly popular from the 1930s through the 1960s , African Americans found themselves faced with what historian Gretchen Sorin called “an uncertain landscape,” much of which was “composed of white spaces...
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Ashley & Corey at Robert Mills
Corey and Ashley traveled all the way from The Empire State to become man and wife at the alluring Robert Mills House and Gardens on the evening of October 6, 2018. Surrounded by friends and family, the stunning bride got ready for her big day in the Robert Mills West...
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