Why Palladium - Abi Brumbles Snyder

What is your name?

Abi Brumbles Snyder

How long have you been involved with Palladium?

2 years.

Where are you originally from?

The big city of Dillon, South Carolina!

If you are not from Columbia, what drove you to this city?

I came to Columbia to attend USC; I stayed because it became my home.

What is your current profession and the name of the organization in which you work?

After 10 years in banking, I am now at Northwestern Mutual (one block from the Seibels House!) as an Associate Wealth Management Advisor.

Tell us, in your own words, why you became a member of Palladium.

I fell in love with Columbia because, despite how big it is, it still has a small-town feel in terms of the relationships I have built here. I hadn't seen Grace Salter or Carter Davis since our college days, but I kept seeing them post about these cool events in historic places around town. Grace invited me to connect over drinks. I became a member, started attending events, and was asked to join the board.

What is your favorite part about Palladium membership?

Palladium allows me to relive the history of this city I love so much! I have made connections with other young professionals who feel the same as I do about our city, its rich history, and the fulfillment of our need to give back to this community which raised us from college kids into adults.

Why is history cool to you?

My favorite part of history is rooted in architecture. While the US and Columbia are kids compared to many prominent historic sites worldwide, there is still a lot to be said for the beauty in the older buildings, structures, and works of art here. I love to see developers preserving practically dilapidated buildings so that we can cherish these buildings sometimes in a historically-accurate context and other times with modern influences. You can't replicate a city when so much of it is made from repurposed buildings as opposed to all new construction!

What's your favorite moment in history and/or a historical figure that inspires you?

2020 has been a rough year for almost everyone in some context or another. I love that so much attention has been paid to achieving equality for all in the midst of this pandemic. The passing of the great Ruth Bader Ginsburg - the notorious RBG - saddens me deeply although the timing is uncanny considering her hand in creating change for the better over the past several decades on the Supreme Court. I have two books ready to read to my soon-to-be newborn son about her, and I hope we raise him into a man who will fight for equality for all as fervently as Ruth did.

What is your favorite building in Columbia?

This one is a two-way tie. The State House itself, without considering any of its grounds or the art surrounding it - never fails to render me speechless. I am fortunate to have been able to include its exterior in a personal photo shoot a few years back. I find its interior as mesmerizing as its exterior. The other local building that has captured my heart is where my husband and I were married in 2017 before a recent ownership change and renovation. Now known as Magnolia Way Venue, this former home located on Hwy 378 in Eastover is nestled far down a lane of magnolia trees between horse barns and fields, with a lake in the background. It was built in the 1970s by a local man as a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon.

What is the most inspirational program to you, that Historic Columbia is focused on?

I absolutely love the work that has gone into the Modjeska Monteith Simkins home! It is fascinating hearing about all she accomplished and the things that were uncovered buried in her backyard. Historic Columbia's focus on inclusion of the histories of all is evident here.