Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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5 Museums in Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
Columbia, formerly Wright's Ferry, is a borough (town) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Harrisburg on the east (left) bank of the Susquehanna River, across from Wrightsville and York County and just south of U.S. Route 30. The settlement was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers from Chester County led by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright. Establishment of the eponymous Wright's Ferry, the first commercial Susquehanna crossing in the region, inflamed territorial conflict with neighboring Maryland but brought growth and prosperity to the small town, which was just a few votes shy of becoming the new United States' capital. Though besieged for a short while by Civil War destruction, Columbia remained a lively center of transport and industry throughout the 19th century, once serving as a terminus of the Pennsylvania Canal. Later, however, the Great Depression and 20th-century changes in economy and technology sent the borough into decline. It is notable today as the site of one of the world's few museums devoted entirely to horology.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. First National Bank Museum
2. National Watch and Clock Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
The National Watch and Clock Museum was officially opened to the public in 1977 with fewer than 1,000 items. Since that time, the collection has increased to over 12,000 items and the museum has undergone several expansion projects. The latest expansion opened in October 1999 and featured an entirely new and redesigned exhibit space, as well as a new two-story addition. Today, the museum is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America.The National Watch & Clock Museum is conveniently located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre.
Reviewed By JanM16 - Batavia, United States
We visited here primarily because we were desperate to find activities in air conditioned buildings during an unbearable heat/humidity wave in the Lancaster, PA area, We were pleasantly surprised and delighted by the extensive collection of clocks and watches from all of the world and over several centuries. A nice docent came around prior to an 'on-the-hour' demonstration of a large clock influenced by pieces like the Glockenspiel in Munich. He was very informative and the demonstration was fun to watch. My brother, who is intellectually disabled, loved taking pictures of many of the clocks that held his interest... for him, that meant anything resembling a statue or with an American theme (flags, eagles, etc). We had fun and wandered through the galleries twice. They also have a nice gift shop.
3. Old State Theatre Antique Mall & Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By cherylh903 - Durham, United States
The two men in there were so nice and when I asked about the history of the building they seemed so happy and excited to talk about how it started out as a theater in 1928 and then later became a bank. My mind was just blown at all the things they had inside. Some I had never seen before. It was well organized and easy to get around. Much of the original theater is still there like the original stage, gold guild painted wood, carved pillars, art deco fixtures, and beautiful ceiling grates It's great that they have saved all of that. You will find sports items, art, fine art, furniture, primitives, advertising, collectibles, sports items, stoneware, toys, lighting, carnival and circus items, antiques from the 18th century forward, and much more. I couldn't wait to make the next turn to see what they had. My husband bought a vintage golf bag with the wooden golf clubs and some other wood clubs. The prices are a bit high on some of the items but for what you are getting I think they are reasonable. I wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars. I walked out of this place amazed at what I saw.
4. Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
5. Garth Gallery and Cafe Garth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
