Watch and Clock Museum

514 Poplar St.
Columbia, PA 17512
(717) 684-8261
http://www.nawcc.org/museum/museum.htm


In 1943 a small group of watch and clock collectors formed to further their knowledge and share information about this unique hobby. Two years later the National Association of Watch and Clock Collector's, Inc. (NAWCC) was firmly established, with its first chapter in Philadelphia. Today the NAWCC is an international organization with more than 38,000 members and 166 chapters.

Beginning as the private museum of Columbia, PA resident, Earl T. Strickler and open to Association members only, the collection gradually expanded to the point where it required a special gallery, which was opened in 1978. During the following ten years the collection grew from 100 to more than 6,000 items, and an additional gallery was added.

Today the Museum boasts a collection of more than 8,000 pieces, representing four centuries of horological* development, from early pocket sundials to the latest in moonphase watches.

Drawing from this collection, the timepieces are exhibited in galleries by type and period. Museum highlights include:

Needless to say, this museum is fascinating, the exhibits are a pleasure to behold, and much can be learned about design, history, mechanics, and more.For the researcher or collector, the Museum also offers a Library containing more than 2,500 volumes, a computer-catalogued subject index for 19th century trade publications, and a collection of more than 21,000 U.S. patent copies.Association members can also attend a variety of seminars and even a Watch and Clock Repair School that delivers training from beginning to advanced levels.Tours are Self-Guided. Groups of 10 or more can enjoy an educational Guided Tour. For School and Youth Groups, minimum adult to student ration is 1:5. *Horology: 1. The science of Measuring time. 2. The Art of making timepieces. (American Heritage)

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. In April - November: open until 5pm and also open Sundays 12 - 4pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Admission: Adults $7.00, Seniors $4.00, Children 6 - 17 $4.001.00. Group (10 or more) Guided Tours: Adults $6.00, Seniors $5.00, Children $4.00.

Group Reservations: 4 weeks.

Lunch: Nearby restaurants.

Handicapped: Accessible.

Directions: Rt. 30 West to second Columbia exit (3rd St. and Rt. 441). Turn left onto Rt. 441 South. Go several blocks and turn left onto Poplar St. 2 blocks to Museum, at 5th & Poplar.

Time: 90 - 120 minutes west of Philadelphia.

Nearby: Weight Lifting Hall of Fame , Agricultural and Industrial Museum , York County Historical Society , York County Fire Museum , Wheatland , Rothman Gallery , North Museum of Natural History , Indian Steps Museum .


Return to

Pennsylvania IndexAre We There Yet? Home