COLUMBIA, S.C., Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 —Meet new people, learn new skills and discover Columbia’s rich history and culture by volunteering with Historic Columbia. New Volunteer Training kicks off from 10 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26 with a free orientation session introducing prospective volunteers to Historic Columbia’s mission, historic sites and programs.
There are a variety of available volunteer opportunities, including serving as a tour guide, gardening in one of Historic Columbia’s public gardens, helping with educational programs and special events, assisting with museum collections and maintenance, providing administrative and marketing support, and much more. Volunteer docents are particularly needed to give house tours of the newly reopened Mann-Simons Site, as well as Woodrow Wilson Family Home, the only presidential site in South Carolina.
“Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Historic Columbia as programs, tours and projects offered would not be possible without their dedication and support,” said James Quint, Historic Columbia’s director of education. “Whether giving tours of the newly reinterpreted Mann-Simons Site, working in the gardens or serving on committees, Historic Columbia volunteers ensure the organization continues to be a top cultural resource in the community.”
Last year, more than 50 volunteers assisted with house museum tours and more than 90 volunteers regularly helped with events and administrative tasks. The benefits of Historic Columbia volunteers are significant with nearly 4,184 hours donated at a value of $98,575.
Historic Columbia is looking for volunteers willing to donate nine or more hours a month to nurturing, supporting and protecting the historical and cultural heritage of Columbia and Richland County. The New Volunteer Training will take place from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Seibels House, located at 1601 Richland Street in Columbia. To register, visit historiccolumbia.org, call 803.252.1770 ext. 24 or [email protected].
Volunteer benefits:
- Complimentary entrance into the historic house museums for volunteers and members of their immediate family.
- A 15 percent discount on purchases in the Gift Shop at the Robert Mills House.
- A free subscription to Historically Speaking, Historic Columbia’s quarterly newsletter.
- The opportunity to tour and visit other historic sites during monthly volunteer meetings and presentations.
- The opportunity to make new friends and share your passions with others!
About Historic Columbia:
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for more details.
