Skip to main content

The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is closed on Sunday, May 18. All other sites and tours will run as scheduled, including Free Sunday at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

See Available Tour Times
Menu Close Menu

Historic Columbia

Donate
  • FAQs
Upcoming Events

Navigation

  • Tours
    • House Tours
      • Robert Mills House and Gardens
      • Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
      • Mann-Simons Site
      • The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
      • Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
      • Hours and Pricing
    • Garden Tours
      • Garden Database
    • Offsite Tours
      • Walking Tours
    • African American History Tours
    • Online Tours
  • Education
    • Field Trips
      • House Tours
    • Traveling Trunks
  • Support
    • Corporate Support
      • Additional Support Opportunities
      • Corporate Membership
      • Program & Event Sponsorship Options
    • Donate
    • Membership
      • Palladium
    • Volunteer
    • Partners and Donors
  • Rent a Venue
    • Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion
    • Seibels House and Garden
    • Robert Mills Carriage House and Gardens
    • Gardens of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home
    • Weddings
    • Photoshoots
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Object Collection
    • Projects and Initiatives
  • Preservation
    • Preservation Awards
    • Preservation Advocacy
    • Resources and Services
    • Economic Impact Study
    • Building Richland County
  • About
    • Blog
    • Board Members
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Gift Shop at Robert Mills
      • Online Store
    • Newsletter
    • Staff Directory

Donate

This event has passed.

Wednesday, January 23rd

6 — 7:30 p.m.

Unexampled Courage: A Conversation with Judge Richard Gergel

Sold Out!

USC School of Law Auditorium : 1525 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Join Historic Columbia, the USC History Center and the USC School of Law for “Unexampled Courage: A Conversation with Judge Richard Gergel” on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the USC School of Law Auditorium.

Gergel is a United States District Judge renowned for presiding over some of the South Carolina’s most contentious lawsuits. On January 23, he will discuss his upcoming book Unexampled Courage: The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard and the Awakening of President Harry S. Truman and Judge J. Waties Waring.

“Gergel is both an astute researcher and an engaging writer, bringing this significant story to vivid life … Civil rights history at its most compelling.” —Kirkus Reviews

Following Judge Gergel’s presentation responses will be offered by Armand Derfner, nationally renowned civil rights attorney, and I.S. Leevy Johnson, decorated lawyer and one of the first African Americans elected to the South Carolina General Assembly since Reconstruction. A reception and book signing will follow. The event is free, but registration is required.

  • Parking

    Public parking is not available at the USC School of Law building. There are metered spots on the streets surrounding the building as well as in the Pendleton Street Garage.

  • Questions?

    Contact Us

    reservations@historiccolumbia.org
    803.252.1770 x 23

Pre-order Today

Unexampled Courage is available for advance purchase at our online store. Books will be available for pickup when registrants check-in at the event.

NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tours
All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

Newsletter Signup

newsletter signup

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for events, news, and updates from Historic Columbia!

  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • Privacy Policy
Website by Cyberwoven