Historic Columbia announces August 2023 events
August 1, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for August 2023. See the full list of August events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to experience all Historic Columbia has to offer.
CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS:
Thursday, August 10 | 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. | Robert Mills Gardens | 1616 Blanding Street
Meet us in the Robert Mills Gardens on Thursday, August 10, 2023, for stories, songs and an activity led by Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff! This event is free; however, space is limited, and registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be canceled. Quilts will be provided, though guests may bring their own quilt or camping/folding chair. This event is ideal for children up to age 12.
Arsenal Hill Walking Tour | SOLD OUT
Sunday, August 13 | 1:00 p.m. | Begins and ends at Arsenal Hill Community Center | 1800 Lincoln Street
Join Historic Columbia on the second Sunday of August for a stroll through the Arsenal Hill neighborhood, located at the highest elevation within downtown. Named for the military academy established here in 1842, Arsenal Hill became a desirable residential area for white elites during the antebellum era and then for middle- and working-class Black residents during the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Participants will learn how these residences, combined with spiritual, educational, and governmental institutions, resulted in an eclectic mix of architecture as well as dynamic community histories. The tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin and end at Arsenal Hill Community Center. Tickets are only $5 for HC members and $10 for non-members. Youth 17 and younger are free.
Last Chance! Behind-the-Scenes Tours at The Babcock | SOLD OUT
Saturday, August 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.| The Babcock | 2110 Pickens Street
Historic Columbia and Clachan Properties will be providing tours of the recently completed center section of The Babcock, originally designed by architect Samuel Sloan. Participants will learn about the people who lived here, both as patients and as medical professionals, and how they interacted within specific spaces, including the historic chapel.
Tickets went on sale to members mid-July and all tours are now sold out. Early ticketing is one of the many perks HC members receive throughout the year. If you are not a member of HC, consider joining today so you don’t miss out on great events like this in the future!
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County
Sunday, August 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1615 Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. for our Free Sunday program presented by Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron, to tour the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Built in 1818, the Hampton-Preston Mansion has long been associated with the elite antebellum families who are its namesakes. Today, visitors learn about the experiences of all the people who lived and worked at this site during its 200-year history. Admission is free for Richland and Lexington County residents with a valid I.D. No registration necessary.
Heathwood Walking Tour | SOLD OUT
Sunday, August 20 | 1:00 p.m. | Begins and ends at Heathwood Park | 800 Abelia Road
Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the Heathwood neighborhood. Established by Moses Chappell Heath in 1914 and further developed by his son-in-law, Burwell Deas Manning, Sr., in the 1940s, Heathwood boasts architecturally distinct residences with mature landscapes. Participants will learn about different architectural forms and some of the notable residents who once called this neighborhood home. The tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin and end at Heathwood Park. Tickets are only $5 for HC members and $10 for non-members. Youth 17 and younger are free.
Tuesday, August 22 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Ticketholders will receive the property address the day prior to this event
Join Palladium on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. to tour a recently renovated residence-turned-office space, built circa 1907 in historic Eau Claire. Participants will learn about the renovation process as well as the history of the home, which is among the oldest in the area. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres as well as beer and wine at this fascinating tour. Palladium members get into Renovation Rodeo for FREE! HC members are $10 and non-HC members are $15.
She Did Day | Celebrating HerStory
Friday, August 25 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Architecture of Strength Monument | Intersection of Gervais and Main Streets
In partnership with Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network and Historic Columbia, Columbia City of Women will commemorate She Did Day 2023 with a free event at the Architecture of Strength monument (intersection of Main and Gervais streets). Join us on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for coffee, conversation, and celebration. A short program will commence at 10:30 a.m. The first 100 people to arrive will receive Columbia City of Women SWAG items. Arrive early and ready to support She Did Day!
Columbia Conversations ∣ Bound by Bondage: Slavery and the Creation of a Northern Gentry
Tuesday, August 29 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Robert Mills Carriage House | 1616 Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia and the University of South Carolina’s History Center for a talk and book signing by USC Professor Nicole Maskiell, followed by light refreshments. Bound by Bondage uncovers how interconnected Northeastern families used slavery as a crucial element in their rise to power and influence. Foregrounding a multi-racial Early America, this captivating book delves into the Northern origins of enslavement while also emphasizing the dynamic networks formed by enslaved individuals. All Good Books will be on site, with books available for purchase, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Historic Columbia is proud to be a Blue Star Museum
Through Monday, September 4
Historic Columbia participates in the Blue Star Museum program, which grants free admission to our Historic House Museums for our nation’s active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves. The Blue Star Museums program ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023.
HISTORIC HOUSE TOURS:
Historic Columbia’s historic house museum tours offer a peek into the past! Tours are free for members, $12 for adults, and $8 for youth ages 6-12. (Add $3 each for Journey to Freedom combined tour.). Discounts are available to active military, seniors, AAA members, students, and must be requested at the time of purchase. Please purchase tickets online OR at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills, located at 1616 Blanding Street.
Robert Mills House & Gardens – 1616 Blanding Street
Wednesday – Sunday | 3:00 p.m.
The Museum of Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home – 1705 Hampton Street
Wednesday – Saturday | 10:30 a.m.
Sunday | 1:30 p.m.
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens – 1615 Blanding Street
Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:30 p.m.
Journey to Freedom: Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House – 1403 Richland Street
Wednesday – Saturday | 1:30 p.m.
Sunday | 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC GARDENS:
Our 14 acres of landscapes in the heart of Robert Mills Historic District feature heirloom plantings popular with gardeners over the past two centuries. Entrance to the gardens is free, so come by to take a stroll or enjoy your lunch in any of our gardens. Don’t hesitate to sprawl on the grass to get some sun and throw a frisbee—and your four-legged friends are welcome!
Seibels House – 1601 Richland Street
Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Robert Mills – 1616 Blanding Street
Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Hampton-Preston – 1615 Blanding Street
Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Over the next five decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history.
Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagra
