Historic Columbia Recognizes Volunteer Contributions at Annual Awards Luncheon

COLUMBIA, SC — Historic Columbia recognized the service and contributions of its volunteers at a private luncheon on Monday, April 27 at The Big Apple.

“While we take this opportunity to highlight a select few people at this event each year, each volunteer plays an important part in the success of this organization,” said Executive Director Robin Waites. “The strength of Historic Columbia is realized in the way that we work together to make this an organization one in which we can all be proud to play an integral role.”

 

Photo:  Historic Columbia Director of Cultural Resources John Sherrer presents the Lifetime Service Award to Effie Phillips for her 34 years of service to Historic Columbia.

 

Effie Phillips received the Lifetime Service Award in recognition of her 34 years of volunteering with Historic Columbia.

“Effie Phillips has logged more hours with Historic Columbia than any other, performed more tours than any other and has served as the most impeccable of ambassadors for our local history,” said Director of Cultural Resources John Sherrer. “She has held the imaginations of countless visitors, young and old, native and from far off states and countries. She has epitomized longevity and leadership. Moreover, she has always been a person whom we could call on for help. We are thrilled to congratulate and thank her with Historic Columbia’s first Lifetime Service Award.”

 

Photo:  Historic Columbia Director of Education James Quint presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to John Fiegel.

 

John Fiegel received the Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Over the past year, one volunteer has stood out for his flexibility, kindness and willingness to always help whenever possible. From being one of the first docents to complete the Wilson training to helping at cemetery tours to playing Santa Claus, John’s composure and quick wit make him a go-to person for so many of our tours and programs,” said Director of Education James Quint.

 

Photo: Historic Columbia recognized the contributions of volunteers at its annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon on April 27 at the Big Apple.

 

Jackie West received the Innovative Leadership Award for her leadership on the Jubilee: Festival of Heritage planning committee.

“From administrative help to single-handedly creating educational activities for the 2014 Jubilee festival to leadership roles on steering committees, Jackie’s new and great ideas are make her the epitome of an innovative leader,” said Engagement Coordinator Celia Galens.

Kathy Norton of BlueCross BlueShield of SC received the Service Award for her many years of service on HC’s Board of Trustees and chairing the Strategic Planning Committee.

“Since 2009, Kathy has been an exemplar of service to Historic Columbia, actively volunteering her time on the Board and at special events,” said Waites. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with her, and when she rotates off the board in October, she will leave very large shoes to fill.”

Porchia Moore received the Newcomer Award for her contributions to the Woodrow Wilson Family Home volunteer training program and on the Mann-Simons reinterpretation committee.

“Porchia has been a vital part of the training process for Woodrow Wilson Family Home docents,” said Jen Taylor, Woodrow Wilson Family Home lead facilitator. “I frequently hear that her race and sensitivity workshop is the most thought-provoking and often their favorite of the training sessions.”

Janice Bowman, Amber Miller and Diane Coker received the Special Contributions Award for their service as “The Collections Cleaning Crew,” who donate their time to make sure Historic Columbia’s house museums are clean and sparkling for visitors.

“Not many people would volunteer to vacuum, sweep and dust someone else’s house, but we are fortunate to have three such women who come in every Monday to make sure our museums look their best for our guests,” said Director of Historic House Museums Fielding Freed.

Kate Dixon and Dick Summers received 15-Year Service pins, Ella Pfaehler received her 10-Year Service pin, and Pat Itter, Vivian Moore, Hank Shaw, Foster Yarborough, Bobbie Osborne, Donna Stokes and Helen Brown received 5-Year Service pins to recognize their years of volunteering with Historic Columbia.

Historic Columbia holds its Volunteer Awards Luncheon every April to celebrate and thank the many volunteers who donate their time and expertise to advancing HC’s mission to preserve, promote and protect the history and cultural resources of Columbia and Richland County. This year’s luncheon featured produce donated by Senn Brothers Produce.

 

 

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.