Blog
James Clyburn Announces New Reconstruction Era Network
Monday, March 4th 2019
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...
#TBT: Motel Simbeth + Cornwell Tourist Home
Thursday, February 21st 2019
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 where black...
#TBT: Who is Modjeska Monteith Simkins?
Thursday, February 8th 2018
For more than sixty years, Modjeska Monteith Simkins used the wooden cottage at the corner of Elmwood and Marion St. as both a home and a headquarters. One of the greatest human rights advocates in South Carolina's history, Modjeska Monteith Simkins led the charge for equality tirelessly her entire adult...
Searching for Motel Simbeth
Friday, February 22nd 2019
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 goal of...
Modjeska Monteith Simkins: An Advocate for the People
Thursday, February 21st 2019
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...
Ashley & Corey at Robert Mills
Thursday, February 14th 2019
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...
Savannah & Grayson at Seibels House
Tuesday, January 29th 2019
Hands clapped and tails wagged for these down-to-earth newlyweds. The sweet couple, Grayson and Savannah, tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony at the Seibels House & Garden on November 3, 2018 with all of their loved ones. The couple’s precious dog, Sulley, also got to join in on...
Join Us at King Solomon's Table with Joan Nathan
Wednesday, January 23rd 2019
Join Historic Columbia and the History Center at the University of South Carolina for “King Solomon’s Table with Joan Nathan” from 2 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3. This special event, presented in conjunction with Kugels & Collards, will feature a talk by Joan Nathan, a James Beard award-winner...
From Hamilton to Hampton Street: HC Tackles Musical Trivia
Friday, January 18th 2019
True or false: On January 25th, the award-winning smash musical Hamilton is coming to Columbia. We wish it were true. But on January 25th, Historic Columbia brings you the next best thing— Historic Happy Hour! And this month, we’re tackling the Tony award-winning giant, Hamilton: An American Musical. What does...
Learn All About Pruning at HC's Next Garden Workshop
Friday, January 11th 2019
Most gardeners, myself included, are usually most excited by what we can add to our gardens. It just as important, though, to think about what we can remove from our gardens to achieve design goals. After you have finished your fall planting and clean-up, mid-winter is a perfect time to...