May is National Historic Preservation Month and the City’s Preservation staff has several activities planned to commemorate the event. Since its inception by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1973, National Historic Preservation Month has been a way to promote historic places. The City’s Planning staff is promoting a number of activities and events throughout the month of May that focus on the history and architecture of Columbia.
Preservation Impact Radio Interview
Thursday, May 2, 5:30 AM + 7:30 AM, South Carolina Public Radio
Tune in to SC Business Review on SC Public Radio to listen to Mike Switzer chat with Donovan Rypkema from Place Economics about the recently completed report on the economic impact of preservation in Columbia. Not able to tune in on the day? SC Business Review recordings are available online here: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/podcast/south-carolina-business-review
Randolph Cemetery Workshop
Saturday, May 4, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Randolph Cemetery, 301 Elmwood
Join members of the Committee for the Beautification and Restoration of Randolph Cemetery for an in depth workshop on proper cemetery maintenance. The workshop will include a tour of Randolph Cemetery and hands on demonstrations on proper lawn and stone maintenance and repair. Randolph Cemetery is a Reconstruction Era cemetery historically established by and for African Americans. The historic cemetery is located just west of Elmwood Cemetery, at the dead end of Elmwood Avenue with parking available along the street. The workshop is free but please register at columbiacompass.org/celebratemay. Participation is limited to 15 participants, so register now!
Melrose Art in the Yard
Sunday, May 5, 12:00 PM, meet at 1429 Hagood
Drop by Historic Melrose for fun and art and stay a little longer to learn about the historic neighborhood with a walking tour! City preservation staff will be providing two walking tours during the event, please register at columbiacompass.org/celebratemay. Don’t have time for a tour? Drop by the preservation table to learn more about current City preservation staff initiatives and projects. The event is dog friendly, so be sure to bring your pup, too!
Council Proclamations & Mabel Payne Award
Tuesday, May 7, 4:00 PM, City Hall
Attend the City of Columbia’s Council meeting in-person and join in the celebration and proclamation of National Bike Month and National Historic Preservation Month, as well as the announcement of the 2024 Mabel Payne Award winner! For details, view the City Council agenda.
Preservation Bike Ride: Green Book + African American Resources
Sunday, May 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hop on your bike and join City preservation staff on a bike tour through time as we discuss the importance of Columbia’s historic African American resources. The tour will include a look at the Green Book sites that were safe havens for traveling African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Registration and helmet required. Limited to 15 participants, so register now at columbiacompass.org/celebratemay!
More information about planning for historic preservation in the City of Columbia can be found at https://planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/historic-preservation/.
Visit www.columbiacompass.org/celebratemay for more information on all of these great events, as well as additional events still being planned for May!
For more information, please contact the Planning Division at 803-545-3222.