Historic Columbia announces November 2023 events
November 2, 2023
Historic Columbia is excited to announce programming and events for November 2023. See the full list of November events below and be sure to leave room in your calendar to experience all Historic Columbia has to offer.
CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS:
Behind-the-Scenes at Hotel Trundle’s The Flutter Wing
Wednesday, November 1 | 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. | The Flutter Wing | 1544 Main Street
Join Historic Columbia as we explore downtown’s latest rehabilitation–1544 Main Street! Completed in the fall of 1872, this commercial property has been home to everything from bookstores to beauty salons over the last 151 years, along with the legendary Drake’s Duck-In restaurant. Participants will have a chance to enjoy complimentary food and beverages on the ground floor before climbing the stairs to view the in-progress Flutter Wing, slated to open at the end of this year. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn about how a building’s past can inform its future! Tickets: $35 for HC members, $40 for non-members. Any available tickets will be on sale at the door.
Bulb Bonanza! |Cultivating Spring Bulb Gardens
Saturday, November 4 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Robert Mills Carriage House | 1616 Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia for a lively morning of all things bulbs! Columbia-grown horticulturists Jim Martin and Jenks Farmer have envisioned, planted, and enlivened more public spaces in the state than any other duo. Since their passions for spring bulbs vary wildly, you’ll get a morning full of fun and diverse bulb lessons. Books written by the presenters will be available for purchase, as will a variety of bulbs ranging from $5 to $15 per bag. Tickets: $25 for HC members, $35 for non-members. Any available tickets will be on sale at the door.
Sunday, November 12 | 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. Tickets: This tour is SOLD OUT.
Renovation Rodeo | Edgewood
Tuesday, November 14 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Edgewood neighborhood | Ticketholders will receive the property address the day prior to this event
Join Historic Columbia and Palladium to tour this former church, built in 1955 and recently converted to several short-term rentals. Participants will learn about the renovation process from the architects, contractors, and interior designer as well as the history of the site. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine as you mingle with fellow preservation enthusiasts. Tickets: This tour is SOLD OUT.
Wednesday, November 15 through Saturday, December 30 | Times vary | Robert Mills House & Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1600 block of Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia to see a variety of holiday decorations in both the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills House, where tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century. Don’t miss your opportunity to view artifacts and learn about holiday traditions involving Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year Celebrations. Tickets: FREE for HC members; $18 for non-member adults and $15 for non-member youth.
Free Sunday at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era
Sunday, November 19| 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 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 at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. Tickets: 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.
Columbia Canopy Project Launch Celebration
Friday, December 1 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Drew Wellness Center Park | 2101 Walker Solomon Way
Join Historic Columbia and Columbia Green on Arbor Day as we celebrate the launch of the Columbia Canopy Project. The Columbia Canopy Project commemorates the leaders of historically marginalized communities and addresses the impacts of structural racism through neighborhood histories and memorial trees. This event will include a short program, wayside signage unveiling, and refreshments. Tickets: This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW |Candlelight Tours
Saturday, December 9 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Robert Mills House & Hampton-Preston Mansion | 1600 block of Blanding Street
Join Historic Columbia for a special holiday evening touring the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills House by candlelight. Learn about traditions of the past as musicians play selections from the 19th century. Tickets include entry to both house museums and our Holiday Vendor’s Market, as well as a children’s activity area with free, takeaway crafts for your tree and home. Tickets: FREE for youth members 17 and under, and $10 for HC member adults; $20 for non-member adults and $8 for non-member youth. Tickets will not be sold at the door, so please purchase your tickets in advance!
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
From November 15 to December 30, tour the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion as a part of our Holiday House Tours. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for youth 17 and under.
Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 & 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
From November 15 to December 30, tour the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion as a part of our Holiday House Tours. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for youth 17 and under.
Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Journey to Freedom: Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House | 1403 Richland Street & 2025 Marion 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, Instagram or YouTube for more details.
