John Sherrer On April 14, John Sherrer and Gordon McLeod, representatives from Historic Columbia Foundation, spoke to the Historic Heathwood Association about a project the foundation is conducting that will take two years to bring together, but they hope will affect generations.

Thanks to a $107,400 award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Museum for America program, Historic Columbia Foundation will use oral history, material documents, and other means of research to dig out the rich histories of six historic downtown neighborhoods.

They hope to get the communities involved through interviews and artifacts residents may own. The six neighborhoods are Lower Waverly, Cottontown, Hollywood- /Rosehill, Old Shandon, Heathwood, and Arsenal Hill.

When the project is complete, the foundation members hope the efforts will result in public forums, community heritage days, walking tours, and mini exhibits from those curious about Columbia's past. Representatives will be at the Free Times on Main Street from May 6- 8 conducting interviews and gathering information to assist in this project.

Gordon McLeod Sherrer also announced that on April 18, Historic Columbia will be conducting a history workshop at The Big Apple on Hampton Street, from 10 am- noon. During the workshop, attendees will learn how to document family and community history. Space is limited, so a reservation may be needed. To reserve a space, call (803) 252-1770 ext. 33 or email reservation@historiccolumbia. org.

Mary Waters announced that Historic Heathwood will be putting together a committee to apply for a grant issued by the City of Columbia. The City of Columbia Mini Grant Program is a program that is designed to assist neighborhoods with beautification projects. The available funds can reach up to $10,000. May 10 is the deadline to apply for this grant.

The next Historic Heathwood meeting will be on May 12 at 742 Albion Road.

Jeff Rainwater Community Development