National Watch and Clock Museum

Address:	514 Poplar St, Columbia, PA 17512, USA
Phone:	+1 717-684-8261
Site:	museumoftime.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–4PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 38

Fortunat Mueller-Maerki

The National Watch and Clock Museum unquestionably is the most comprehensive museum in the western hemisphere dedicated to the history of time, timekeeping and timekeepers. While it is a "mekka" for clock and watch enthusiasts, it is a also a great place for a family outing with everything from toddlers to teenagers. There are litterally thousands of watches and clocks on display, with interactice exhibits explaining how they work, their history and the role of timekeeping in society. They also host many groups of home schooled students. The National Watch and CLock Museum is an accredited museum by the AAM, a rare distinction for an institution of this size, which attests to its discipline in following approriate guidelines in matters of conservation, collection management and scholarship. It is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (a 501c3 not-for-profit educational organisation) and shares a campus in Columbia PA with with the National Watch and Clock Library, the NAWCC School of Horology and the NAWCC administrative and publishing offices. The only other comparable museum in the USA is the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol CT but its focus is more on Connecticut clockmaking history.

Dan Ricords

"Time flies when youre having fun" This was a pretty fun museum, with all sorts of information about clocks, watches, the history of keeping time. It had all sorts of information from the earliest time pieces (sundials, water clocks, the Antikythera Mechanism) incense clocks, water clocks, to modern wrist watches, atomic clocks, and how they tell time in space. It literally has all you could ever want to know about Horology (the science of keeping time) Did you know the ancient Babylonians came up with the 60 second minute, and 60 minute hour? Pretty neat. Prior to the contiguous USA adopting the four standard time zones (eastern, central, mountain and pacific) in 1883 there were some 21 separate time recognized across the country. The exhibits were pretty nice, there were literally hundreds of time keeping devices there. It took us about 45 minutes to cruise through the museum, we didnt spend much time in the gift shop, though we did pick up a free poster. Fall Hours are Tues-Sat 10a-5p, Sunday Noon-4p, closed Mondays, Admission is currently 8.00 for adults, 7.00 for seniors, 4.00 for children. AAA& Military discount.

Matt Riggleman

Its not the most exciting place in the world, but their selection and displays of clocks is pretty amazing. Id recommend it for anyone who appreciates detailed craftsmanship - I had no idea what it took to create clocks, and how long people have been doing it. The museum is a lot bigger than it looks outside too. Definitely worth the price of admission for me.

Eddie Rausch

Incredible museum! Gorgeous presentations, MASSIVE collection of clocks on display - From the 1600s all the way through to present day, working too! Floor-standing clocks, hanging clocks, cuckoo clocks, pocket watches, smith tools & machines etc. A good 2 hour tour at a casual pace, lots of interesting facts & history accompanying each piece.

Shanaseth Boston

Wonderful exhibits and presentation. I really appreciate being so close to the timepieces to get to truly experience the skill, ingenuity, and craftsmanship that went into designing these machines. Absolutely mind boggling. The facilities and grounds are gorgeous, clean, and accessible. Perfect for large groups or small family outings.

Richard Grant Smith

An incredible supprise. In only two hours I was able to gain a wealth of knowledge. The collection was well organized and presented. The facility is very nice and the personnel gave great presentation. This is worth the trip from major East Coast cities. Parking is very easy. Dont forget to look inside the Clock Tower.

Barbara Shellenberger

Wonderful exhibits, history galore on early time pieces. Amazing displays of large clock works. Gift shop holds many books on the workings of grandfather clocks. Also viable listings of actual, hands on, meetings offered dealing with the construction & repair of antique collectable clocks. Definitely a memorable experience!

John Schafer

Stopped in while we were in Columbia and enjoyed walking through time and the history of keeping time. They have some very simple demonstration units that show how clocks tick, and then lots and lots of clocks, new & old, that are absolutely beautiful. Good way to spend some time in Columbia.

adam albright

Great place to go!! The exhibits are amazing! The tours were very interesting and informative. You must see the 8th wonder of the world clock..the time and effort the maker put into it is just awe inspiring. Im really glad I got to go. I highly recommend you check this place out.

Jennifer Ruth

The Watch & Clock Museum is partnered with Smithsonian, and they have National Museum Day once a year where you can visit this museum for free. It has a neat collection of time piece from every century. Columbia the town is also decorated with several unique street clocks.

Wiebke Bird

Astounding collection, poorly curated, in an over-the-top building. Spend some of that money on proper research, so fewer of your displays are "origin unknown." BTW, there is no such place as "Northumberlandshire," as referred to in one of your explanatory plaques.

Chris Bloomfield

Great museum about time, not just clocks. From ancient history till now it goes through all the time measuring devices. $23 family admission price and kid activities spread through the museum make this place family friendly. Great price on souvenir magnets too!

Aniella McGuire

Small but you can spend hours here. Time pieces from across the world and from just about every time period. Staff is extremely friendly & helpful. Gift shop is very reasonably priced and theres an awesome (operating) model train display in the lobby!

Jerry Anderson

If you are at all interested in time technology this is worth a visit. For anyone else you can probably skip it. An overwhelming number of time keeping devices and lack of overview explanations soon becomes mind numbing.

robinator0057

Exhibits are many and varied. Not a "thrill a minute" attraction, but very interesting and enjoyable. Well done and worth a visit.

Neil Franklin Jr

Lots to see. The Presentation Clock demonstration and story was very interesting. Give yourself plenty of time to walk through.

Leah M.V.

A funny place to visit. It is also a great place to hold an event. The staff is very accommoding, and we had a great time

Cheryl Smith

My daughter went on a class trip here. She was able to make her own clock, which she brought home.

Eli Moses

There are a lot of watches and clocks. The place is really nice. Its also very educational.

Denis Carignan

As an expert watchmaker I very much enjoyed my "time" at the museum. Very well done