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.

Sunday, February 19th

1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sunday | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era

The Museum of the Reconstruction Era : 1705 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Every third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free! This month's featured property is The Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

Visitors to the The Museum of the Reconstruction Era are immersed in the context of Columbia in the 1870s as they explore how Columbia’s 9,297 residents, black and white, navigated the profound political, social and economic changes of Reconstruction. Through panel exhibits, interactive technologies and guided tours, visitors learn that this was a time when African Americans participated in government, founded churches, claimed access to education and negotiated new terms of labor. African American leaders are highlighted throughout the museum, including Charles M. Wilder, one of the first African Americans appointed as postmaster and Richard Greener, first black graduate of Harvard and the first black faculty member at the University of South Carolina, to name just a few.

Entry to the museum is free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to the Museum of the Reconstruction Era or other properties is $10 for adults and $7 for youth. Register for tours at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills. The museum is open for self-guided tours from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first come first serve basis.

  • Tickets

    Admission is FREE for Richland and Lexington County residents with a valid I.D.

    Visit the The Museum of the Reconstruction Era between 1 and 4 p.m.

  • Questions?

    Contact Us

    reservations@historiccolumbia.org
    803.252.1770 x 23

  • wilson
  • museum
  • presentation
  • artifacts
  • reconstruction museum

Free Sundays Are Presented By

  • Richland County government logo

Upcoming Events

See All Events

15 May

Thursday, May 15th: 5 — 6:30 p.m.

2025 Preservation Awards Ceremony

701 Whaley St., Columbia, SC 29201

Join Historic Columbia as we celebrate National Historic Preservation month by recognizing exemplary work in preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and revitalization in Columbia and Richland County.

Learn More

18 May

Woodrow Wilson Family Home

Sunday, May 18th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era

1705 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

Learn More

18 May

Main St

Sunday, May 18th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

Main Street Walking Tour

1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Explore Main Street with Historic Columbia.

Learn More

22 May

Thursday, May 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...

Learn More

12 Jun

Thursday, June 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...

Learn More

15 Jun

Sunday, June 15th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

2025 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.

Learn More

26 Jun

Thursday, June 26th: 6 — 7:30 p.m.

Renovation Rodeo | Heathwood West

TBA, Columbia, SC 29205

Join Palladium on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. to view an extensively renovated home located in the Heathwood West neighborhood. Attendees of this Renovation Rodeo will have the unique chance to tour the home and learn about its history and renovation process. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle...

Learn More

29 Jun

Sunday, June 29th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

Heathwood Walking Tour

800 Abelia Road, Columbia, SC 29205

Explore Heathwood with Historic Columbia.

Learn More

13 Jul

Sunday, July 13th: 1 — 2:30 p.m.

BullStreet District Walking Tour

2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the heart of the BullStreet District and the rich history of the former main campus of the South Carolina State Hospital, highlighting the experiences of patients, caregivers, and family members from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. Their stories and the retention of historically significant buildings have driven Historic Columbia’s preservation advocacy efforts throughout the site’s redevelopment as The BullStreet District.

Learn More

20 Jul

Hampton-Preston Mansion

Sunday, July 20th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Hampton-Preston Mansion

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.

Learn More

17 Aug

Mann-Simons Site

Sunday, August 17th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Mann-Simons Site

1403 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Mann-Simons Site.

Learn More

20 Sep

Saturday, September 20th: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture

1403 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Experience the vibrant spirit of history and culture at the 47th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture, presented by Absolute Total Care and hosted by Historic Columbia! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a spectacular day filled with music, art...

Learn More

21 Sep

Sunday, September 21st: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Robert Mills House

1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.

Learn More
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