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

Breadcrumb

  1. Historic Columbia
  2. Research
  3. A History of the Columbia YWCA

A History of the Columbia YWCA

Description

In October 2023, Historic Columbia initiated a project to document and share the history of the Young Women’s Christian Association in Columbia, South Carolina. This initiative, titled “Becoming One: The Story of the Young Women’s Christian Association in Columbia, South Carolina,” delves into the histories of the segregated Central branch, which initially catered to white women and girls, and the Phyllis Wheatley branch, dedicated to Black women and girls. In addition, this research explores the questions and implementation of integration between the Central and Phyllis Wheatley branches in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Deliverables include a StoryMap collection showcasing each branches history, leaders, and community involvement within Columbia, South Carolina. In addition, two historical markers will be placed at the former sites, one at the Central branch located at 1505 Blanding Street, and another at the Phyllis Wheatley branch located at 1429 Park Street. Finally, this project will help with the transfer of additional archival materials of the YWCA to the South Caroliniana Library. 

Please contact us if you have stories or materials related to any of the Columbia YWCA branches. Historic Columbia staff can provide scanning services or direct you to the appropriate archival repository should you choose to donate items.

In Partnership With

Palmetto Center for Women Logo

Project Deliverables

Archival Processing and Digitization
Historical Markers
Long-form Essay (StoryMaps)
Site-based Research

Research Team

Kat Allen

Director of Outreach & Engagement

Email

(803) 252-7742 ext. 37

‹ Back to projects

Reach Out to the Research Team

Historic Columbia supports all members of our community through project-based partnerships with tangible deliverables. Have an idea but not sure what comes next? Get in touch with a member of our team today!

Contact Us
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