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.
Architectural Scavenger Hunt (May 1-31)
Join the fun in this month-long, city-wide, architecture scavenger hunt. QR codes will be placed on historic buildings in and around Columbia’s historic districts throughout the month of May. Scanning the code will provide the participant with historic information about the site or area and an opportunity to register for a chance to win a prize. First person to register five sites will win.
Love Your Neighborhood Video Series (weekly)
This year, City of Columbia preservation staff is celebrating what makes our local neighborhoods great! Each week, preservation staff will publish a video that highlights community, family, historic details and local businesses in Columbia’s local and National Register historic districts and designated buildings. Videos will be linked online and posted to the Preservation Playlist on the City’s YouTube.
Preservation Month Proclamation and Mabel Payne Award (Tuesday, May 2nd)
Join Columbia City Council as they officially declare May as Historic Preservation Month! The proclamation will be followed by announcement of Preservation Month activities and the presentation of this year’s Mable Payne Award. The City of Columbia’s Mabel Payne Award is given annually by the Planning Division to an individual or group that has played a vital role in preserving the City’s architectural heritage.
Mid-Century Modern Walking Tour (Saturday, May 6, 2pm-4pm)
The University of South Carolina campus has a wealth of Modernist buildings. Join MidModSC for a guided walking tour of the campus’s Modernist gems including the Thomas Cooper Library, designed by Edward Durrell Stone and local architecture firm Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff; and Capstone House, also designed Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff. Registration required; Check out the Eventbrite page for more information.
Lunch and Learn at Richland Library (Wednesday, May 10, 12- 1pm)
Join preservation and library staff in the Walker Local and Family History Center to discover tools and methods for researching your historic Columbia home. The session will include a tour of the Center and a lecture on collections available to assist in building research. The session will be followed by a short discussion with City and library staff at Fat Cat Biscuits. Presented by Margaret Dunlap, manager of the Walker Local and Family History Center, in partnership with City of Columbia preservation staff in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month. Registration suggested.
Mother’s Day Craft at Richland Library (Saturday, May 13, 3pm – 4:30pm)
Join the City of Columbia’s preservation staff for a fun, family friendly Mother’s Day craft. Come play and learn as you decorate your own faux stained glass window. Finished crafts will make great Mother’s Day gifts! In Richland Library Main, Garden Level.
Window Repair Workshop (Saturday, May 20, 9:30am-12:00pm)
Join Staci Richey with The Committee for the Restoration & Beautification of Randolph Cemetery to learn the basics of historic wood window repair. The workshop will cover unsticking windows, re-roping, and restoration. Registration required; limited to 12 spots. 1623 Richland Street.
Bike Tour: Recent Projects in Preservation and Urban Design (Sunday, May 21, 9am-12pm)
Hop on your bike and join City preservation and urban design staff on a bike tour of recent projects in downtown Columbia. The tour will include behind-the-scene tours of recently completed or in construction historic renovation projects and a look at recent urban design new construction projects. Registration and helmet required.
Happy Hour Meet and Greet (Wednesday, May 24, 4pm-6pm)
In partnership with Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District, City preservation staff will be hosting a happy hour drop in at Indah Coffee. Preservation staff will provide quick 5-10 minute presentations on a variety of popular preservation topics. Grab a drink and drop in to say hello! 2238 Sumter Street
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