Historic Columbia wins prestigious National Historic Preservation Award
October 29, 2024
Historic Columbia announced that it has been honored with the Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This prestigious award recognizes Historic Columbia’s evolution from a narrowly focused preservation organization into a leader in preserving both the built environment and the memories of people and places often overlooked in history.
Since its founding in 1961, Historic Columbia has expanded its mission to share the complex history of Columbia and Richland County through historic preservation advocacy, innovative educational programs, and strategic partnerships. Over the last two decades, the organization has transformed from a small nonprofit into a purpose-driven institution committed to preserving the region’s diverse stories through inclusive and strategic initiatives.
“This award is a testament to our dedicated team, partners, and community members who have supported our mission and shared their stories with us,” said Suzanne Brooks, Executive Director of Historic Columbia. “We are honored to be recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and we remain committed to our vision of preserving the past to guide our future.”
The Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence acknowledges Historic Columbia’s successful stewardship of five historic sites: Seibels House [ca.-1796]; Hampton-Preston Mansion [ca.-1818]; Robert Mills House [ca.-1823]; Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home [ca.-1871]; Mann-Simons Site [ca.-1883]; and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House [ca.-1895]. Over the last twenty years, the organization has undertaken significant capital rehabilitation and reinterpretation projects at these sites, as well as developed innovative approaches like period-appropriate gardens, “ghost structures” to represent lost buildings, and historically accurate exhibits that tackle crucial topics such as slavery, Reconstruction, and civil rights.
Historic Columbia’s efforts beyond its historic sites include pioneering initiatives such as the Columbia Jewish Heritage Initiative, the LGBTQ Columbia History Initiative, and the Columbia City of Women project.
The award underscores Historic Columbia’s commitment to community partnerships, education, and financial stability. The organization has expanded significantly in its reach and capacity, with growth in staff size, membership, and community engagement. Today, Historic Columbia stands as a model of preservation excellence in the field, demonstrating how place-based work can lead to meaningful community transformation.
A formal awards ceremony, including video presentations about each awardee, was held on the morning of Monday, October 28, to open the 2024 PastForward Conference in New Orleans, which runs from October 28-30. Director of Preservation John Sherrer accepted the award in-person on behalf of Historic Columbia.
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 Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube for more details.
About The National Trust
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. Learn more at savingplaces.org.
About Past Forward
PastForward is the annual conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, October 28-30, attracting thousands of people passionate about saving places. Attendees include preservationists, advocates and architects, city planners and historic site directors, students and elected officials, commissioners, and main street directors. This year’s conference will focus on three themes: creating climate resilience through historic preservation, ensuring a representative preservation movement, and encouraging historic preservation-based community development. Learn more at savingplaces.org/pastforward.
