Columbian Club Foundation History
In 1983, the Columbia Club was listed to the National Register of Historic Places, the official register of districts, sites, buildings and structures significant to American history, architecture, archeology and culture.
The National Register listing, among other advancements, would allow federal funding for restoration or preservation work, tax benefits, and state and federal protection of the building proper. That same year, Columbia Club President, Erle A. Kightlinger, resolved to try to awaken Columbians to their cultural heritage.
"We had an obligation as a club to promote the arts," he said later, referring to the bylaws clause which enjoined Columbians "to encourage literary and scientific advancement and the cultivation of the fine arts."
The result was the incorporation of twin tax-deductible foundations.
The Columbian Historical Foundation, was created "to restore, preserve and protect the exterior facade of the historic clubhouse by encouraging contributions and through the development of an adequate endowment."
The Columbian Literary and Fine Arts Foundation, was conceived "to accept contributions and to preserve, protect and exhibit gifts of literary and artistic value for the benefit of the Columbia Club and the public."
The two foundations were merged on October 1, 1989 to form The Columbia Club Foundation.
These photographs are the product of three years of watching water, light sky and wind. 
Honor your special Columbian, family member or friend by purchasing a Limited Edition print of our Historic Clubhouse. These signed and numbered prints were produced from an original oil painting by local artist Fred E. Cooney and commissioned by Columbian and Foundation Trustee, Michael Burgett. The prints depict the facade of our Clubhouse and trademark of the canopy.
Also available to all Columbia Club members is the opportunity to purchase a commemorative brick to be placed permanently under the red canopy of the Columbia Club on Monument Circle. 
