Historic Columbia Foundation’s Happy Hour History Tours
Of Main Street Offered Just Two More Fridays This May

Columbia, SC (May 16, 2012) –  Those who haven’t taken advantage of Historic Columbia Foundation’s Happy Hour History Tours have two more dates to choose from until the tours return next year – those dates are this Friday, May 18, and Friday, May 25 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The guided tours meet at the South Carolina State House steps (Gervais Street side) and are led by Historic Columbia Foundation.

Reservations aren’t required but are encouraged and can be made by emailing reservations@historiccolumbia.org or by calling 803.252.1770 ext. 24.  The cost of the tour ($20 for Historic Columbia Foundation members, $25 general admission) includes two adult beverages and appetizers along the way.  Walk-up registrations will be accepted if space permits.

Photos of last week’s tour are posted on the Foundation’s Flickr account here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historiccolumbiafoundation/sets/72157629740180130/ and are available for immediate hi-resolution download.

Columbia’s Main Street boasts architectural styles spanning three centuries that speak to the tastes, interests and aspirations of persons living and working in South Carolina’s state capital. While fire in 1865 reduced the entirety of Main Street from Gervais to Upper Street (Elmwood Avenue) to ashes, waning and waxing interests in the corridor’s future also have erased many architecturally significant structures. Adaptive use of historic structures has promoted new businesses, re- established residences and informed in-fill construction resulting in successful revitalization of one of Columbia’s most important thoroughfares.

Those interested in learning more about the history of Main Street are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s blog post, where historic and contemporary images are shared with narrative here: http://historiccolumbia.org/blog/preservation-matters-columbia-south-carolinas-main-street/.

About the tours, John Sherrer, Director of Cultural Resources for Historic Columbia Foundation says, “The architectural evolution of this central commercial corridor reads like an epic novel; tour attendees will learn about the mark left on Main Street from war, politics, and the ebb and flow of public and private money.”

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Robin Waites at 803.252.7742 ext. 14 or rwaites@historiccolumbia.org.

Self-guided architectural walking tour brochures of Main Street as a part of the Foundation’s Connecting Communities through History initiative are available at Historic Columbia Foundation’s Museum Shop (1616 Blanding Street) as well as in several businesses on Main Street including Mast General Store, Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, City Center Partnership, Capitol Places, The Historic Arcade Mall on Main, NBSC, and Grubb & Ellis Wilson Kibler.  The brochure covers more than 30 sites; architectural styles include Classic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Italianate, Art Deco, Post-Modern and Richardsonian Romanesque, among others.

About City Center Partnership:
City Center Partnership was formed to manage Columbia’s downtown Business Improvement District in the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly and Marion streets. The organization provides public space management, economic development, marketing services, and public advocacy for downtown Columbia.  The Board of Directors oversee the organization’s mission — to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment. More at http://www.citycentercolumbia.sc.

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.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/histcolumbia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/historiccolumbia
Web: http://www.historiccolumbia.org
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/discoverhistory

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Columbia, SC (May 15, 2012) – For decades Historic Columbia Foundation has joined other preservation advocacy orga­nizations in celebrating National Historic Preservation Month each spring. This May will be an especially exciting time for the Foundation, as their 50^th Anniversary year coincides with their annual Preservation Awards.  Join Historic Columbia Foundation for the annual recognition of excellence in local preservation projects on May 24, 2012.

The Preservation Matters:  50 Years of Restoration, Revitalization and Reuse reception and award ceremony will be held at 701 Whaley Street on May 24, 2012.  The reception will begin at 6 pm, with a seated dinner and award ceremony at 7 pm.  The Foundation will also acknowledge recent projects that have maintained or added to the historical, architectural and cultural heritage embodied within significant buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes throughout Columbia and Richland County.

Those interested in joining the Foundation for this event may purchase tickets online at http://preservationawards.eventbrite.com.  Proceeds benefit local preservation and education efforts.  Award sponsors include Garvin Design Group and Hood Construction.

About this year’s event, Robin Waites, Executive Director for Historic Columbia Foundation says, “Join us in recognizing the work of those who are preserving our past for the future.”

About this year’s award recipients, John Sherrer, Director of Cultural Resources says, “This year’s win­ners join the ranks of past recipients, which combined, ensure that contemporary and future residents and visitors can benefit from and enjoy these unique sites representing over four centuries of our shared past. Future preservation awards doubtlessly will enhance these gains and be as visionary in their spirit.”

Local Projects to be Recognized as 2012 Preservation Award Recipients Include:

Columbia Innovation Center, 2012 Adaptive Use Recipient

• Columbia Innovation Center (Adaptive Use)
  1000 Catawba Street
  Owner: South Carolina Research Authority
  Architect: Garvin Design Group
  Contractor: Mashburn Construction

823 Gervais Street, 2012 Adaptive Use Recipient

• 823 Gervais Street (Adaptive Use)
  Owner, Designer, Contractor: Miller-Valentine Group
  Architect: HMA Associates

• 1921 Henderson Street (Adaptive Use)
  Owner: John and Victoria Dozier

Mast General Store, 2012 Preservation Recipient

• Mast General Store (Preservation)
  1601 Main Street
  Owner: Mast General Store
  Architect: Garvin Design Group
  Contractor: Mashburn Construction

• Lorick House (Preservation)
  1727 Hampton Street
  Owner: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
  Contractor: Celtic Works

• Little Red Schoolhouse(Preservation)
  

  Little Red Schoolhouse, 2012 Preservation Recipient

  Owner: Richland School District Two
  Architect: AAG Associates
  Contractor: Carolina Preservation Associates

Past recipients to be recognized include: Inn at USC, Abacus Planning Group, 701 Whaley, the Palmetto Building, Woodlands, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Vista Lofts, the DuPre Building, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, McDuffies Antiques, Pinegrove Rosenwald School, Logan School, South Carolina State Museum, California Dreaming and Capital Places V.

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia Foundation at rwaites@historiccolumbia.org or 803.252.7742 ext. 14.

High resolution photos of this year’s preservation awards recipients are available for immediate download on the Foundation’s Flickr account.  Click on the Preservation Awards 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.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/histcolumbia

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/historiccolumbia

Web: http://www.historiccolumbia.org

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/discoverhistory

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Historic Columbia Foundation is giving away two tickets to their Annual Mother’s Day Brunch (THIS Sunday), a prize value of $60! One lucky winner and a guest of his or her choice will enjoy this special event featuring a delicious catered brunch with scenic garden views and a historic house or neighborhood walking tour.

This year’s brunch features options including a southern grits bar, mini quiches, cranberry and walnut salad and chicken terragon, brie and prosciutto tartine sampler, red velvet cupcakes and more!

After brunch, guests can choose to take a free tour of one of Historic Columbia Foundation’s three Historic House Museums or join the Second Sunday Stroll, a guided walking tour, of the Robert Mills Historic District.

Quick Entry Links:

Enter via Facebook 

Not on Facebook? Enter here instead.

Your 2 tickets are redeemable for this year’s Mother’s Day Brunch taking place at the Seibels House and Gardens (1601 Richland Street) from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. this Sunday, May 13.

Thanks for your entry and good luck! Winner will be notified by phone or email. Official Rules & Privacy

Don’t want to wait? Reserve your spot at HCF’s Mother’s Day Brunch by calling 803.252.1770 ext 24.

Gather your friends and colleagues and start your weekend off with some famously hot Main Street history. Historic Columbia Foundation is celebrating Preservation Month this May with a series of Friday evening Happy Hour History Tours of Main Street.

THIS Friday (and every Friday in May), at 5:30 p.m., HCF will gather at the SC Statehouse and kick off a guided walking tour of Main Street highlighting some of Columbia’s landmark buildings. The tour highlights a variety of buildings including Union Nation Bank, The Sheraton, Sylvans, Tapps and many more.

In addition to the famously hot history, guests will enjoy two complementary beverage sand appetizers along the way. Tickets are just $25 for the general public and $20 for HCF members. Reserve your spot today by calling 803.252.1770 ext 24. Walk ups are welcome.

To check out photos from last week’s tour, click here.

Columbia, SC (May 3, 2012) – What mother doesn’t love flowers, or a beautiful garden stroll? Make those gardens the recently revitalized gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the new Welcome Garden or Founders’ Garden at the Robert Mills House or the heritage plantings at the Seibels House Garden and you have a scenic backdrop for a Mother’s Day she’ll always remember.

Historic Columbia Foundation is offering their annual Mother’s Day brunch on May 13, 2012 from 11 am – 2 pm at the Seibels House and Garden.  Outdoor seating (weather permitting) will be available for mothers and their families to enjoy a meal together. The Seibels House Garden features a revitalized landscape that merges existing historic elements with heritage plantings to showcase the contributions of generations of gardeners.

Mother’s Day Brunch festivities also include a complimentary historic house museum tour of her choice.  Mothers and their families will surely wish to take a walk through the revitalized gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion or the new Welcome Garden at Robert Mills House.  Participation in the Foundation’s Second Sunday Stroll of the Robert Mills West historic district beginning at 2 pm (meets at the Seibels House) is also an option for those in attendance (families choose between complimentary house tour or complimentary Second Sunday Stroll).

Reservations are required and can be made by emailing reservations@historiccolumbia.org or by calling 803.252.1770 ext. 24.  The cost of the program is $25 members for Foundation members, $30 for non-members and just $5 per child and includes brunch and a house tour or place on the Second Sunday Stroll.

About the event, Sarah Blackwell, Director of Programs at Historic Columbia Foundation says, “From the moment mom sets foot on our grounds, she’ll be delighted by an historic variety of breathtaking plants and flowers.”  She goes on to say, “After brunch, walk with mom over to the Hampton-Preston Mansion or Robert Mills House for a complimentary tour, and mom will have the opportunity to experience recently unveiled gardens in both spaces!”

The newly revitalized Hampton-Preston Gardens were recently featured on Walter Edgar’s Journal, Lake Murray magazine, Carolina Gardener magazine and the Columbia Visitors Bureau blog. The first phase of the revitalization of these historic grounds was unveiled in April of 2012 and included new plantings selected from plants known to have been grown on the property during the 1830s through 1860s. New gardens created within the antebellum-period pathway and bed framework included a Fountain Garden, Welcome Garden and Children’s Garden. More information about these gardens can be found at http://historiccolumbia.org/site/visit/gardens/grounds-of-the-hamptonpreston-mansion-gardens/masterplan/index.

Not able to join the Foundation for brunch, or interested in honoring the mother in your life? Show your appreciation for the special mother in your life with a Mother’s Day donation to Historic Columbia Foundation and receive a keepsake ornament with an acknowledgement card (please indicate “Mother’s Day” in the donation notes). Your donation may be given in honor or memory of her many contributions. Link to donate…

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Laura Otero at lotero@historiccolumbia.org or 803.586.3890 for more information.  High-res, historic images are available for immediate download on the Foundation’s Flickr account.  Click on the gardens 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.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/histcolumbia

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/historiccolumbia

Web: http://www.historiccolumbia.org

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/discoverhistory

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We visited WACH FOX, ABC Columbia and WIS-TV to talk about this great event.
The State newspaper and WACH FOX were there during the event (WACH participated and The State live-blogged!).

Here’s a link to The State newspaper’s story about the event:
http://www.thestate.com/2012/04/21/2244302/some-quickly-learn-dance-steps.html#storylink=misearch

Columbia, SC

Columbia’s Main Street boasts architectural styles spanning three centuries that speak to the tastes, interests and aspirations of persons living and working in South Carolina’s state capital. While fire in 1865 reduced the entirety of Main Street from Gervais to Upper Street (Elmwood Avenue) to ashes, waning and waxing interests in the corridor’s future also have erased many architecturally significant structures. Adaptive use of historic structures has promoted new businesses, re- established residences and informed in-fill construction resulting in successful revitalization of one of Columbia’s most important thoroughfares.

About the tours, John Sherrer, Director of Cultural Resources for Historic Columbia Foundation says, “The architectural evolution of this central commercial corridor reads like an epic novel; tour attendees will learn about the mark left on Main Street from war, politics, and the ebb and flow of public and private money.”

Members of the media are encouraged to contact Laura Otero at lotero@historiccolumbia.org or 803.586.3890 for more information.  Abbreviated preview tours for the media may be available upon request.High-res, historic images are available for immediate download on the Foundation’s Flickr account.  Click on the “Main Street” image set, and then click on the desired image thumbnail to enlarge.  Right-click the enlarged image and follow the instructions to download the full-size image.

Self-guided architectural walking tour brochures of Main Street as a part of the Foundation’s Connecting Communities through History initiative are available at Historic Columbia Foundation’s Museum Shop (1616 Blanding Street) as well as in several businesses on Main Street including Mast General Store, Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, City Center Partnership, Capitol Places, The Historic Arcade Mall on Main, NBSC, and Grubb & Ellis Wilson Kibler.  The brochure covers more than 30 sites; architectural styles include Classic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Italianate, Art Deco, Post-Modern and Richardsonian Romanesque, among others.

About City Center Partnership:
City Center Partnership was formed to manage Columbia’s downtown Business Improvement District in the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly and Marion streets. The organization provides public space management, economic development, marketing services, and public advocacy for downtown Columbia.  The Board of Directors oversee the organization’s mission — to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment. More at http://www.citycentercolumbia.sc.

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.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/histcolumbia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/historiccolumbia
Web: http://www.historiccolumbia.org
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/discoverhistory

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Last weekend, The State newspaper’s John Monk joined us for our “Second Sunday Stroll” of the historic Congaree Vista.  You can read his article here.

Be sure to visit our calendar of events for details on our upcoming “Second Sunday Strolls.”  We’ll be strolling through the historic Robert Mills West district on May 13 and historic Arsenal Hill on June 10.

These markers will be the newest of 17 historic markers placed around Columbia to recognize historically significant African-American sites. This program was organized in part by the City of Columbia, in partnership with Historic Columbia Foundation and funded by South Carolina Department of Transportation. Both programs will include comments from the SC State Historic Preservation Office, City of Columbia, Historic Columbia Foundation and other associated with the historic site.

Sidney Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is located in Columbia’s downtown district, at 1114 Blanding Street.  The circa-1893 building replaced the congregation’s original structure which was lost to fire. For more than 110 years, this religious landmark has served as a church, school, meeting place and concert hall. In 1866, 600 members of Bethel A.M.E. Church left and affiliated with the then-Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1877, they established Sidney Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Roughly bounded by Taylor, Heidt, Gervais and Harden Streets, Waverly Historic District’s original neighborhood covered a twelve-block area adjacent to Columbia’s late 18^th-century limits. Once part of a plantation owned by Robert Latta, in 1855, it was one of the first documented subdivisions in Columbia. By the late 1800s, the neighborhood was home to both black and white working- and middle-class residents. In 1913, Waverly was annexed into the city. As the South became increasingly segregated during the Jim Crow era, Waverly evolved into a self-contained, self-sustaining African-American community featuring many middle- and upper-class African-American residents, among whom where leaders within spiritual, business, academic and professional circles.

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.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/histcolumbia

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/historiccolumbia

Web: http://www.historiccolumbia.org

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/discoverhistory

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Henry Nechemias, Second Sunday Stroll Walking Tour Guide

Second Sunday Strolls provide a guided tour for many of the neighborhoods featured in Historic Columbia Foundation’s Retrace (Connecting Communities Through History) brochures. Tours are 30 – 60 minutes in length (varies by neighborhood and tour participants).

Save the date for our May  tour of the Robert Mills West District.  Tour meets at the Seibels House and Garden, 1601 Richland Street. Free for HCF members / $6 adults / $3 youth. For more information, contact reservations@historiccolumbia.org or 803.252.1770 ext. 24.