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Heat and Hardship

Visit Historic Columbia’s New “Test Kitchen”

By: Katharine Allen, Director of Outreach & Engagement

Wednesday, January 15th 2025

Historic Columbia is proud to announce the opening of Heat & Hardship: The Hidden Labor of Enslaved Cooks, which will serve as our “test case” for this interpretive plan. This exhibit reimagines one of the Robert Mills House’s most popular spaces, the warming kitchen, through the installation of hands-on activities that incorporate touch and smell.

Barred Owl in a tree

Soaring to New Heights

Friday, January 3rd 2025

In January 2024, Historic Columbia introduced its Birdwatching in the Gardens program—a monthly bird walk that has taken flight as a standout success during its first year. Typically held on the second Thursday of each month in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, this free, guided program offers participants...

4017 Devereaux Road

Renovation Rodeo | Kilbourne Park

By: Staff, Historic Columbia

Thursday, November 14th 2024

Palladium presented Renovation Rodeo | Kilbourne Park on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Nearly 40 guests toured this circa-1940 home while enjoying beer from Columbia Craft Brewing Company, wine courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company, and delicious food from Something Small Catering. This event was proudly sponsored by Lizz Grimm with ERA Wilder Realty, Hardy and Brittany Childers, and Garvin Design Group.

Robert Mills 2024

Robert Mills House Renovations

Thursday, December 26th 2024

Look at before and after images of the recent capital improvements that changed the look of the Robert Mills House and are better preparing this National Landmark structure for its third century of existence.

Past Forward Award Recipients

Historic Columbia Wins Prestigious National Historic Preservation Award

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Monday, October 28th 2024

Historic Columbia is proud to announce 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.

Photo of Suzanne Brooks

Suzanne Brooks Named Executive Director of Historic Columbia

Wednesday, August 21st 2024

Local advocate for historic preservation, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization, Suzanne Brooks has a history of engaging community stakeholders to preserve regional history and ensure all stories are heard.

M.H. Berry Furniture sign. Dark background with lighter grey lettering.

Quest for a Berry is Finally Fruitful

By: Rachel Gregor

Wednesday, July 31st 2024

It is human nature to get excited about new additions to one’s home. Typically, “new” refers to items fresh off the conveyer belt—the things that have not yet been used

Something Small Catering

Discovering the Flavors of History

By: Staff, Historic Columbia

Tuesday, August 13th 2024

When Something Small Catering decided to become the in-kind catering sponsor for the 2023-2024 Palladium Renovation Rodeo series, owner Della Thigpen found herself pondering a simple yet profound question: "What did the people who lived here eat?" As a former elementary school teacher and self-taught chef, Thigpen saw an opportunity to elevate the educational aspect of these events through her culinary creations.

Robin Waites Awarded Order of the Palmetto

Historic Columbia Executive Director Robin Waites Awarded Order of the Palmetto

Tuesday, June 25th 2024

Governor Henry McMaster has bestowed the prestigious Order of the Palmetto upon Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of South Carolina's cultural heritage. The award, the state's highest civilian honor, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the state and its citizens. It was presented to Robin at her Retirement Celebration on June 25, 2024.

537 Santee Avenue

Renovation Rodeo | Wales Garden

By: Staff, Historic Columbia

Friday, June 14th 2024

Palladium presented Renovation Rodeo | Wales Garden on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Over 40 guests toured this circa-1931 property while enjoying beer from Peak Drift Brewing Company, wine courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company, and delicious food from Something Small Catering. This event was proudly sponsored by Courtney Miller with Coldwell Banker and Mark Tibshrany with Guild Mortgage.