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John Sherrer

Director of Preservation
Exterior of 1215 Shop Road

2023 Preservation Award | 1215 Shop Road

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Friday, May 12th 2023

Historically used by many companies—the Citadel Shirt Corporation, Williamson Shirt Company, Bud Berman Manufacturing, Carolina Area Support Center, and finally Morris Furniture—1215 Shop Road stood vacant for several years.

Exterior of 1527 Gervais Street

2023 Preservation Award | 1527 Gervais Street

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Friday, May 12th 2023

Built between 1892 and 1893, the W. B. Smith Whaley House recalls a period in Columbia’s evolution during which prosperous families erected stately Queen Anne style residences along Gervais Street.

Two-story Craftsman style home with steeply pitched roof, prominent fireplace, and a covered front porch.

The Impact of Craftsman Architecture in Columbia, South Carolina 1900-1930

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Thursday, March 2nd 2023

Proponents of the Arts & Crafts movement—a 19th-century English aesthetic born out of disdain for the socially detrimental aspects of the Industrial Revolution and the excessive ornamentation of the later Victorian Age—today, if they were on Instagram, would be considered among the most successful of social influencers. Their philosophy celebrated...

John Sherrer Fieldwork

Worth the Weight: Surveying Columbia’s 19th-Century Cast & Wrought Iron Heritage

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Wednesday, August 31st 2022

What’s Going On As a steward of historic sites and an advocate and resource for preservation, Historic Columbia consistently yields research findings about Columbia and Richland County’s past. Most recently, fieldwork resulted in the discovery of a commonality between cast iron stairs, which historically embellished the front porch of the...

Hampton Preston Mansion & Gardens

Historic Columbia: A 60th Anniversary Look at Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Wednesday, December 15th 2021

In marking Historic Columbia’s 60th Anniversary, our staff are sharing reflections on the improvements and achievements at our historic sites and with our programs, only made possible through the support and dedication of donors, members, and volunteers who believe in HC’s purpose to preserve places and share complex stories. Over...

World of Women, July 1967

Historic Columbia: 60 Years in the Making

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Sunday, November 14th 2021

Pictured Above: Historic Columbia Foundation board of trustee member Willodene Lumpkin and docent Genevieve Hellar joined Elizabeth Holton host of WNOK’s World of Women show at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 1967, to highlight restoration progress at the Ainsley Hall House. History is far more than dates, events, and...

1701 Pendleton Street home in Columbia, S.C. Historic Columbia collection

2020 Preservation  Award Winner: 1701 Pendleton Street

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Sunday, August 30th 2020

1701 Pendleton Street. Image Courtesy of Historic Columbia collection Each year, Historic Columbia presents Preservation Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of local property owners; professionals in the fields of architecture, construction and design; and leaders who champion preservation as an opportunity to support the Midlands’ economy and culture. These awards...

Cupola installation at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Columbia, S.C. Image courtesy of Ebenezer Church

2020 Preservation  Award Winner: Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Tuesday, September 1st 2020

Cupola installation at Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel. Image courtesy of Ebenezer Church Each year, Historic Columbia presents Preservation Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of local property owners; professionals in the fields of architecture, construction and design; and leaders who champion preservation as an opportunity to support the Midlands’ economy and culture...

The Arcade Building in Columbia, S.C. Image courtesy of Peach Properties

2020 Preservation  Award Winner: The Arcade Building

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Sunday, August 30th 2020

The Arcade Building is once again a downtown destination. Image courtesy of Peach Properties Each year, Historic Columbia presents Preservation Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of local property owners; professionals in the fields of architecture, construction and design; and leaders who champion preservation as an opportunity to support the Midlands’...

house at 819 maple street

2020 Preservation  Award Winner: 819 Maple Street

By: John Sherrer, Director of Preservation

Sunday, August 30th 2020

819 Maple Street. Image courtesy of Sarah and Hoyt Burnett Each year, Historic Columbia presents Preservation Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of local property owners; professionals in the fields of architecture, construction and design; and leaders who champion preservation as an opportunity to support the Midlands’ economy and culture. These...