Blog
The Lost Cause: 10 Myths and Truths
“General view of Main Street,” photographed by Richard Wearn shortly after the Burning of Columbia. Image courtesy South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina, Columbia By Betsy Kleinfelder and Don Polite The Lost Cause was a campaign of misinformation and propaganda led by ex-Confederates that framed the South’s reasons for...
Ten things to know about the monuments on the South Carolina State House grounds
Postcard of the State House grounds, 1920. Historic Columbia collection By: Lydia Mattice Brandt, Associate Professor, University of South Carolina The South Carolina State House grounds feature dozens of monuments built over more than two centuries. Here are 10 key facts to help you learn about this site: 1. The...
Ten things to know about Reconstruction
Harper's Weekly November 16, 1867 Largely ignored or misrepresented until recently Reconstruction was one of the most pivotal periods in American history. Many of the laws and policies adopted dramatically changed the face of the country at the time and still affect us today. Here are 10 key facts to...
Historic Columbia Announces Plans for Construction of Greenhouse
Historic Columbia is excited to announce plans to construct a state-of-the-art greenhouse and accompanying gatehouse on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens. The additions, based on historic structures that once stood on the property, serve as the next step in a decades-long vision to transform the historic site...
Documenting history: Local photographer steps ‘into a time machine’
A slip on the keyboard turned powerful photographs into timeless art. And for that, Crush Rush is thankful. Rush, 32, has been a professional photojournalist for close to a decade in Columbia, his hometown. Skim through his popular Instagram account – over 7,400 followers and counting – and you’ll find...
Throwback Thursday: Reconnecting with Old Favorites in the Video Archives
With some extra time on our hands, we at Historic Columbia have been able to dig through the archives and connect with old friends. So, on this Throwback Thursday, sit back and enjoy a few of our favorite videos that can still be found on HC’s YouTube page. Hip Tags...
Staff Spotlight - Betsy Kleinfelder
While our doors remained closed, the work behind the scenes doesn’t end. Today, we continue our staff spotlight series by introducing you to another team member! Name: Betsy Kleinfelder Position: Visitor and Interpretive Services Coordinator How long have your worked at HC? Five years. What projects are you working on...
Fun for Home: Pottery Refit Activity
The Mann-Simons site was home to the same African American family for over 130 years, and traces their story from enslavement through urban renewal. A multi-year archaeological excavation of the site was completed in February 2012, uncovering 60,000 artifacts that offered important clues and insights into the family’s history. The...
Staff Spotlight - Charles Calhoun
While our doors remained closed, the work behind the scenes doesn’t end. Today, we continue our staff spotlight series by introducing you to another team member! Name: Charles Calhoun Position: Development Coordinator How long have your worked at HC? Less than a year. What projects are you working on during...
National Volunteer Appreciation Week
This week is National Volunteer Appreciation week and with over 70 programs and tours offered each year, it is no surprise that volunteers are an essential part of Historic Columbia. There are close to 100 volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to HC and they are an essential part...