Columbia, SC (May 16, 2012) – It’s one of the region’s most-anticipated festivals each year, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of the Mann-Simons family. Historic Columbia Foundation’s 34th annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage will be held on August 18, 2012 at the Mann-Simons Site (1601 Richland Street) in Columbia, SC. The festival is free and open to the public, running from 11 am – 5 pm.
HCF is seeking food, marketplace and non-profit vendors to participate in this year’s Jubilee: Festival of Heritage. Associations, churches, civic/service groups, health/medical organizations, charities and other businesses are all invited to participate. The cost to participate is $25 for non-profit vendors, $50 for marketplace vendors and $100 for food vendors. One table and two chairs are provided at no charge. Additional items (such as electricity, extra tables and extra space) are available for an additional charge ($15-$25). Those interested in being a part of this year’s Festival are encouraged to download the vendor form on the Foundation’s website here. Deadline for registration is August 4, 2012.
This year’s Jubilee: Festival of Heritage takes place during the Foundation’s 50th anniversary year, and coincides with the debut of a brand-new “ghost structure” exhibit. The exhibit will be free and open to the public, allowing visitors to visualize the structures that once stood alongside the family’s home.
2012 Festival activities include:
- Hands-on demonstrations from some of the region’s most skilled artists and craftsmen,
- Live musical entertainment including R&B, jazz, blues and gospel,
- Vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise,
- Crafts and activities for children,
- Tours of the Mann-Simons Site (adults $1/children free)
- Bus tours of African-American heritage sites (adults $2/children free), the Modjeska Simkins property, and
- Many other events throughout the day.
About the Mann-Simons Family:
Although only one house stands today, the Mann-Simons Site historically was a collection of commercial and domestic spaces owned and operated by the same African-American family from at least 1843 until 1970. Former slaves from Charleston, Celia Mann, a midwife, and Ben Delane, a boatman, became the first generation of family members to live on the property and laid a social and material foundation that allowed successive generations to pursue a variety of businesses and social undertakings.
The property and its multiple buildings changed considerably over time to better accommodate the needs, tastes, and aspirations of this remarkable family.
The fourth and final phase of excavations at the Mann-Simons Site recently came to a close, and was featured on FOX News nationally. Thousands of artifacts were uncovered over the course of several years; a selection of artifacts is on display for festival-goers and visitors to enjoy.
Members of the media are encouraged to contact Ashley Tucker at 803.252.7742 ext. 16 or atucker@historiccolumbia.org. High resolution photos of this last year’s Jubilee: Festival of Heritage are available for immediate download on the Foundation’s Flickr account. Click on the Jubilee image set, then click on the desired image thumbnail to enlarge. Right-click the enlarged image and follow the instructions to download the full-size image.
About Historic Columbia Foundation:
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. The 50th Anniversary year of Historic Columbia Foundation (which officially began on November 13, 2011) will include a variety of community celebratory events. Visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org for details.
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