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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.

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Sunday, August 17th

1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays | Mann-Simons Site

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.

While only one house stands today, the Mann-Simons Site historically was a collection of commercial and domestic spaces owned and operated by the same African American family from at least 1843 until 1970.

Self-guided tours are offered from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to the Mann-Simons Site is $12 for adults and $8 for youth and may be paid on site. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first-come first-serve basis. The house will be open for guests to tour at their own pace, and guides will be available to answer any questions.

  • Tickets

    Admission is FREE for Richland and Lexington county residents with a valid ID. For all other visitors, admission is $12 for adults and $8 for youth.

    The Journey to Freedom Tour is cancelled on this day due to Free Sunday.

  • Questions?

    Contact Us

    Phone: (803) 252-1770 ext. 23
    Email: reservations@historiccolumbia.org

Free Sundays Are Presented By

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Upcoming Free Events

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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

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...

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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...

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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

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...

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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.

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