Historic Columbia announces winners of 21st annual Volunteer Awards
September 22, 2020
Historic Columbia is happy to announce the winners of this year’s Volunteer Awards.
For the past two decades, Historic Columbia has recognized the dedication of time and energy of its volunteer crew. While the traditional luncheon was canceled in April, HC remains committed to celebrating its passionate volunteers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on many of Historic Columbia’s volunteers, preventing them from participating in the tours and programs that they love and isolating them from their colleagues,” said Betsy Kleinfelder, HC Visitor & Interpretive Services Coordinator. “That makes this year’s awards even more important as we recognize all of the wonderful things they were able to achieve in less than a year. We miss seeing them every day and value their services now more than ever and can’t wait to see them all again soon.”
Historic Columbia has honored the following recipients.
Volunteer of the Year: Stella Cobbs
Stella Cobbs has been with Historic Columbia for a few short years, but in that time has been immeasurably helpful – from guiding school children through various craft projects to setting up events and pouring drinks. No matter the event, she is always ready to lend a hand. Showing dedication to learn more about local history and culture, Cobbs never misses a meeting or lecture where she can expand her understanding of these issues.
Service Award: Pat Itter
Pat Itter is a longtime volunteer who has dedicated years of service to Historic Columbia. She has done everything from lead house and cemetery tours to help teach kids of all ages on field trip visits. Itter also assists in decorating houses for the annual holiday tours. Her passion shines through her attire, as she often volunteers while in self-designed period clothing.
Newcomer Award: Dianne Pickle
Dianne Pickle has been with the organization for a year, quickly developing herself into a model new guide. She mastered two house tours and helped with education programs while staying active in other programs. Pickle has been eager to soak in all she can about local history and interpretation, proving to be a valuable addition to HC’s volunteer crew.
Rising Star Award: Isabell Dickerson
Internships at HC are an important avenue for college and university students to gain real world experience. Internships benefit HC by bringing new ideas and energy as exemplified by Isabel Dickerson, a history and art history major who graduated from the University of South Carolina in December.
During the fall 2019 semester, Dickerson worked 368 hours for the Museums Department of Historic Columbia. Despite a class schedule that brought her to Columbia only two days a week, Dickerson willingly commuted from Aiken in order to accomplish the goals of her internship.
Innovative Leadership Award: The Columbia City of Women Steering Committee – Rachel Hodges, Rachel Barnett, Lauren Elliott, Tameika Isaac Devine, Traci Young Cooper, Sally McKay
Led by Rachel Hodges, former first lady of South Carolina, this committee of dynamic and engaged women worked together to plan and implement the Columbia City of Women project, a partnership between HC and WREN launched in 2019. The initiative has exceeded expectations in fundraising, programming, exposure and impact while helping fill significant gaps in acknowledging the contributions of women in Columbia. As a result of the committee’s efforts, exciting new partnerships with local and statewide entities have been formed.
Special Contribution Award: Dr. Lydia Brandt
Dr. Lydia Brandt, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina, has long been an important ally to HC. Recently, she developed and delivered content for the SC Monuments web-based and guided tours, completing eight months of research for the HC board, advisory council, general public and special groups.
Dr. Brandt’s work has provided exposure for HC on the complex conversation about monuments and served as the baseline for all work associated with the grant-funded project.
How to Volunteer at Historic Columbia
The next Volunteer Orientation will be held 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16. It will be a virtual event that introduces the organization and available volunteer opportunities. To register, contact Betsy Kleinfelder at [email protected] or 803-252-1770 x 24.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. 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 Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
