Historic Columbia announces July 2023 events
July 3, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for July 2023. See the full list of July events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to experience all Historic Columbia has to offer.
CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS:
Sunday, July 9 | 1:00 p.m. | Begins and ends at Heathwood Park | 800 Abelia Road
Join Historic Columbia on the second Sunday of July 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. This tour is SOLD OUT, however, there are additional strolls in other historic neighborhoods over the coming weeks.
The Holocaust Through the Eyes of Children of Survivors and Liberators
Monday, July 10 | 5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main Auditorium | 1431 Assembly Street
Join Richland Library on July 10, 2023, for a panel discussion featuring children of Holocaust survivors and liberators Dr. Francis Burris, Dr. Don Sloan, and Dr. Lilly Filler, moderated by Executive Director of Historic Columbia Robin Waites. This event is a part of the “Americans and the Holocaust” series presented by Richland Library.
Historic Columbia Summer Camp | Kid Curator Camp
Monday, July 10 – Friday, July 14 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily | Robert Mills House | 1616 Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia for five fun-filled days of summer camp! Campers can expect to enjoy an archeology dig, creating their own living museum, tie dye-ing shirts, water balloon fights, scavenger hunts, and more. This camp is designed for children ages 8-12. A few spots remain, so register soon!
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County
Sunday, July 16 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Museum of the Reconstruction Era | 1705 Hampton Street
On the third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron. The Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home is the nation’s only museum dedicated to showcasing the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and is housed in South Carolina’s only remaining presidential site. 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. The house will be open for guests to tour at their own pace, and guides will be available to answer any questions.
Tuesday, July 18 | 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. | Robert Mills Gardens | 1616 Blanding Street
Meet us in the Robert Mills Gardens on July 18, 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.
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—September 4, 2023.
SAVE THE DATE |45th Annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture
Saturday, September 16 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Mann-Simons Site | 1403 Richland Street
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture is a celebration everyone can enjoy and features live music and entertainment, artist demonstrations, and marketplace vendors selling a variety of wares, products, and art. Come hungry, because there will also be vendors selling food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine. The Kids Zone will be available with educational and family-friendly activities, presented in partnership with the Columbia (SC) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. The entertainment lineup will be announced soon!
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.
Woodrow Wilson Family Home – 1705 Hampton Street
Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays | 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, Instagram or YouTube for more details.
