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National Watch and Clock Museum

514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512
717 684-8261
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Ranked #1 of 7 attractions in Columbia
Type: History Museums, Speciality Museums, Speciality Shops
Owner description: 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... more » Owner description: 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. « less
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43 reviews from our community

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    4
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Date Rating
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

There are so many varied historical time pieces. I was fascinated by the watch brought up from the Hunley submarine.

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Sterling, Virginia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

Horology is a term I've never heard before, but the study of time keeping and the evolution from the sun dial to the modern digital watch is a fascinating walk through history. It's amazing how the greatest advances in bringing technology to the masses came from entrepreneurs that find ways to mass produce and cut product costs. The craftsmanship of... More

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New York City, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

Opening film about how time was measured over the centuries, followed by self-guided tour of all clock and watch types. 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours is an adequate visit. Very nice museum.

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bristol,pa
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

We took a mini vacation to Lancaster, PA last summer and spent a couple of hours at the National Watch and Clock Museum. It was very interesting--rooms filled with all kinds of time-keeping devices--from earlier civilizations through present. They had some "hands-on" exhibits that entertained younger visitors. The highlight was a demonstration of a 6 or 7-foot handmade "cuckoo-type" clock... More

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Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

I had no idea how many different types of clocks, watches and assorted time pieces were under one roof, relatively close to home. I should mention I have no special interest in watches or clocks and I think those who are enthusiasts would rate this a must do. For ourselves it was something different to do on a nice day,... More

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Hershey, PA
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 March 2013

Wife wanted to visit the museum. I was skeptical. It turned out to be a most enjoyable two hours. Absolutely worth it! BUT, being deaf, I was disappointed that none of the videos were captioned.

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2013

very interesting, good spent the day, a lot of history, very interesting displays, great place to show children. a great place to learn

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nj
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2013

I expected to see a lot of clocks and watches, but the scope of this museum includes the concept of time measurement in the past and in other cultures. Fascinating

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Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2013

This place was really neat! You'll blost in time-ha! Beautiful and educational. After the museum, stop down the street to Prudhomme's for lunch!

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New York City, New York
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 December 2012

Whatever you've read about this museum is probably an understatement. It's dazzling. We spent 3 hours there didn't get to everything. Even the building itself is impressive, and the collections are astonishing. The experience was like a view of humanity through the perspective of realizing what time means and how to keep track of it, starting with ancient sundials. It's... More

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