Robin Waites has been a mainstay of Historic Columbia, the charity that has been a pioneer in the preservation and contextualization of history in the nation’s capital, for more than 20 years.
She is currently preparing to leave her long-standing position.
Waites gave notice of her impending resignation as executive director of Historic Columbia on Thursday. She informed The State that she would continue working until June 2024 in order to assist in the organization’s leadership transition. According to organization authorities, a search will be held for Historic Columbia’s next president.
Under Waites’ leadership, the nonprofit organization that promotes historic preservation and education in Columbia and Richland County has expanded in stature and impact.
Nearly 20 years ago, when she was appointed executive director, Historic Columbia employed six full-time employees, a few part-time employees, and had an annual budget of roughly $300,000. It now has a staff of roughly 20 full-time employees, 20 part-time employees, and a $2.5 million budget.
Waites asserted that the moment is simply right to leave.
Waites, 54, told The State, “I’ve worked for Historic Columbia for more than 20 years, and I’ve been proud of where we’ve come as an organization. “COVID sort of knocked everyone out, and I wanted to be able to get the organization back on really strong footing (post-pandemic), and it feels like we are there,” said the founder of the group. I feel like it’s time for a shift for both the business and myself because I’ve kind of crossed off the goals I had for the company.
Waites has been a devoted supporter of smart historic preservation and education in the Columbia area, according to Kim Crafton, chairwoman of the Historic Columbia board.
Crafton remarked that Robin “has been a guiding force at HC for the past twenty years, leading the organization with unwavering dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to preserving the rich history of Columbia.” “Under her leadership, HC has prospered, evolving into an essential organization that bridges the past and the present. We want to spend this year honoring the lasting effects of her career as executive director as she begins a well-earned retirement from her work at HC.
For 21 years, Waites has worked for Historic Columbia. With an emphasis on marketing and development, she began working in 2002 as the agency’s director of external affairs. In 2004, she was chosen to serve as the organization’s executive director.
Under her direction, Waites saw a number of initiatives through to completion at Historic Columbia. One of these was the program Connecting Communities Through History, which was established in 2008. Through the gathering of oral histories, the recording of numerous historic locations, the establishment of web-based and guided tours, and a concentration on six historic neighborhoods in Columbia, this initiative got started. The program had reached 23 neighborhoods of Columbia by 2021 and was structured around themes such the Jewish Heritage Initiative, African-American heritage sites, and LGBTQ Columbia.
Crafton cited Robin’s dedication to diversity as one of her leadership’s distinguishing characteristics. “She has worked to make strides in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of these underrepresented communities,” says one person. “She has understood the importance of acknowledging the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped Columbia’s history.”
Six historic properties are under the management of Historic Columbia, including the Robert Mills House and Gardens, the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, and the Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. When Waites assumed the position of executive director in 2004, she claimed that the organization was managing those residences as best it could and that the 14 acres of grounds surrounding them were “unkempt at best.”
The grounds there are currently immaculately maintained, and according to Waites, they “stand among the best examples of historic site preservation and interpretation in the region.”
The Hampton-Preston Mansion’s sparkling Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center, a cutting-edge greenhouse that will serve as a focus for horticultural research, propagation, interpretation, and programming, is one of the most recent constructions on the property.
According to Waites, Historic Columbia has evolved throughout the years into a multifaceted institution. It does, of course, concentrate on notable locations and historical occurrences in Columbia, but it also plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the deeper cultural significance of certain figures and locations.
“The work that I have enjoyed at Historic Columbia is certainly connected to the buildings, grounds, and programs, but I think over the last 20 years we’ve seen Historic Columbia grow into an organization that is essential in the community, whether that’s planning, storytelling, or making sure our key, character-defining places are still here,” said Waites. “I’m proud of the fact that I believe it is positioned entirely differently than it was in 2002.”