Historic Columbia July 2025 events
July 1, 2025
Beat the heat this month and join us for an exciting lineup of programs and events happening in July. Explore this month’s calendar below and make plans to experience all that Historic Columbia has to offer.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS IN JULY:
Historic Columbia is proud to be a Blue Star Museum
Through August 31
Historic Columbia proudly participates in the Blue Star Museum program, which grants free admission to our Historic House Museums for active-duty military personnel and their immediate family. The Blue Star Museums program began on Armed Forces Day and ends on Labor Day.
Admission: FREE admission for active-duty military members and up to five family members, with valid ID. This program is not available to retired members of the military. Visit our website for full details.
BullStreet District Walking Tour
Sunday, July 13 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Begins at the Mills Building | 2100 Bull Street
Join Historic Columbia for a stroll through the heart of the BullStreet District to learn about the rich history of the former main campus of the South Carolina State Hospital.
Admission: $5 HC members; $10 non-members; youth 17 and under are FREE.
Note: This event is at capacity.
Free Sunday at the Hampton-Preston Mansion
Sunday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1615 Blanding Street
On 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.
Admission: FREE for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties with valid ID; all others are $12 adults, $8 youth. May be paid on site.
COMING SOON:
Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture | Saturday, September 20 | Mann-Simons Site
Join Historic Columbia for a FREE festival filled with music, art, dance, captivating stories, and activities for the entire family. With a mainstage lineup including headliner LADY STOUT, a hometown tribute to the late Angie Stone, and more, the 47th annual Jubilee is an event you won’t want to miss!
Trunk or Treat | Monday, October 27 | Robert Mills House
Put on your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and FREE Halloween experience. Community members and local organizations throughout the city of Columbia will meet on the grounds of Robert Mills House to pass out candy to local Columbia youth!
VISIT US:
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, and students, and must be requested at the time of purchase. Please purchase tickets online OR at the Welcome Center at Robert Mills, located at 1616 Blanding Street. All tours begin at the Welcome Center at Robert Mills.
- Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | 1615 Blanding Street
- Wednesday – Saturday | 10:30 a.m.
- Sunday | 3:00 p.m.
- Journey to Freedom: Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House | 1403 Richland Street & 2025 Marion Street
- Wednesday – Sunday | 3:00 p.m.
- The Museum of Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home | 1705 Hampton Street
- Wednesday – Saturday | 1:30 p.m.
- Robert Mills House & Gardens | 1616 Blanding Street
- Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00
- Sunday | 1:30
Historic Columbia’s 14 acres of landscapes in the heart of Robert Mills Historic District feature heirloom plantings popular with gardeners over the past two centuries. Entry to the gardens is free and includes interpretive signage to help bring history to life. Don’t hesitate to sprawl on the grass for a picnic lunch or enjoy a quiet moment by one of the tranquil fountains. Your four-legged friends are welcome, too!
- Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens | 1615 Blanding Street
Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Robert Mills House & Gardens | 1616 Blanding Street
Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Seibels House & Gardens | 1601 Richland Street
- Monday – Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Woodrow Wilson Family Home | 1405 Hampton Street
Monday – Saturday | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House (now known as the Robert Mills 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 six 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 Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for more details.
