Historic Columbia Recieves 2015 Award of Merit from Confederation of SC Local Historical Societies
April 22, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies presented Historic Columbia with the 2015 Award of Merit for its work on the Woodrow Wilson Family Home: A Museum of Reconstruction in Columbia & Richland County at a banquet on April 10 in Walhalla, S.C.
CSCLHS presented Historic Columbia with the Award of Merit to recognize the rehabilitation and reinterpretation of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. In 2005, HC closed the home, which had operated as a shrine to the 28th president since 1934, due to structural issues.
“Recognition by the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies for our reinterpretation of the WWFH and the establishment of a museum of Reconstruction marks an important chapter in Historic Columbia’s growth,” said HC Director of Cultural Resources John Sherrer. “By sharing this distinction with others, both the CSLHS and HC may be appreciated more greatly throughout the state and region.”
Between 2005 and 2014, the Wilson home underwent a museum-grade restoration and rehabilitation; at the same time, HC assembled a group of distinguished scholars to lead the reinterpretation, culminating in a 21st-century museum inside a 19th-century house that explores Reconstruction (1865-1876) in Columbia and Richland County and the Wilsons’ lives here during that time. The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is not only South Carolina’s only presidential site, it is also the only museum in the country to focus solely on the Reconstruction era.
The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies recognizes the special achievements of historical organizations, volunteers in historical organizations, professionals, and other entities that further the programs and projects of historical organizations. The Award of Merit is given to organizations that have created execptional projects that advance local history.
For more information about the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, visit historiccolumbia.org.
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 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.
Image: CSCLHS Award.jpg: Historic Columbia Director of Cultural Resources John Sherrer (left) accepts the 2015 Award of Merit from J.Rl Fennell, president of the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies, at an awards banquet in Walhalla, S.C. on April 10.
