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Sunday, June 16th
1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Hampton-Preston Mansion
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens : 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.
Wealthy Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, had this mansion built in 1818. They lived here briefly, until 1823, when Ainsley sold it to Wade Hampton I, who was known as one of the South's richest planters. For the next 50 years, the estate grew to be Columbia's grandest residence under the Hampton and Preston families and the many men, women and children they enslaved. In the 100 years following the Civil War, the mansion and its touted gardens hosted many different owners, including colleges and a tourist home. After an extensive rehabilitation, the property opened to the public in 1970 as an historic site. The site is owned by Richland County and managed by Historic Columbia.
Tours are free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to Hampton-Preston Mansion is $12 for adults and $8 for youth. Register for tours at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills. Tours will be semi-guided and offered at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first come first serve basis.
Free Sundays Are Presented By
Upcoming Free Events
See All Events13 Aug
Thursday, August 13th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
16 Aug
Sunday, August 16th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.
10 Sep
Thursday, September 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
20 Sep
Sunday, September 20th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
24 Sep
Thursday, September 24th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
08 Oct
Thursday, October 8th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
10 Oct
Saturday, October 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
Family Birdwatching in the Gardens
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Bring the whole family for a special birdwatching adventure during Historic Columbia's Fall Plant Sale! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a fun, guided exploration of the Hampton-Preston Gardens as you discover the resident and migratory birds that call Columbia home. Participants will...
18 Oct
Sunday, October 18th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.
22 Oct
Thursday, October 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
26 Oct
Monday, October 26th: 5:30 — 7 p.m.
1616 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience on Monday, October 26 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Community members and local organizations throughout the city of Columbia will meet in the parking lot of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to local Columbia youth!
12 Nov
Thursday, November 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
15 Nov
Sunday, November 15th: 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! This month, visit the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.
20 Dec
Sunday, December 20th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sunday | 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! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.