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Sunday, June 16th
1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Hampton-Preston Mansion
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens : 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
Wealthy Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, had this mansion built in 1818. They lived here briefly, until 1823, when Ainsley sold it to Wade Hampton I, who was known as one of the South's richest planters. For the next 50 years, the estate grew to be Columbia's grandest residence under the Hampton and Preston families and the many men, women and children they enslaved. In the 100 years following the Civil War, the mansion and its touted gardens hosted many different owners, including colleges and a tourist home. After an extensive rehabilitation, the property opened to the public in 1970 as an historic site. The site is owned by Richland County and managed by Historic Columbia.
Tours are free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to Hampton-Preston Mansion is $12 for adults and $8 for youth. Register for tours at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills. Tours will be semi-guided and offered at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first come first serve basis.
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See All Events06 Mar
Thursday, March 6th: 8 — 10 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
16 Mar
Sunday, March 16th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Robert Mills House
1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201
The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.
10 Apr
Thursday, April 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
24 Apr
Thursday, April 24th: 8 — 9 a.m.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...
08 May
Thursday, May 8th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
18 May
Sunday, May 18th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
1705 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201
The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.
22 May
Thursday, May 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...
12 Jun
Thursday, June 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
15 Jun
Sunday, June 15th: 1 — 4 p.m.
Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
2025 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201
The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.
20 Sep
Saturday, September 20th: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture
1403 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Experience the vibrant spirit of history and culture at the 47th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture, hosted by Historic Columbia! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a spectacular day filled with music, art, dance, and captivating stories, all set...