Night at the Museum

What happens after the National Watch and Clock Museum locks its doors each night?  Does the mouse run up the clock, does the grandfather clock begin to talk, or does time really fly?

It’s easy to take the watches and clocks in your home or office for granted.  With a quick glance, there’s the time telling you whether it’s time to head to work, get lunch, pick up the kids, or go to bed. 

The Museum, located in Columbia, is truly the center of time and is home to close to 12,000 watches and clocks. Why not bring your family and go on an exploration of time?! After a stroll through the Museum’s time tunnel, you will find yourself transported to the time of Stonehenge and water clocks, where timekeeping first got its start. From there, you begin your journey through time where thousands of years later (or an hour and a half in museum time) your family will stand speechless before the Mars Clock wondering, “Where did the time go?”

The Family Overnight is a unique opportunity for children ages 6 to 12 to spend the night at the Museum and enjoy activities including decorating a clock to take home, munching on a snack, and exploring the many Museum’s exhibits. November 4 is the next sleepover. Cost is $20 for children and $12 for adults, with payment due prior to the sleepover.  The adult chaperone must be at least 21 years old and is required for every five children participating.

Admission includes:

• Scavenger hunt activity through the Museum
• Museum exploration
• Make-a-clock program for children
• Snack and light breakfast
• Souvenir patch for children

Register by  for the Family Overnight by calling 717-684-8261, ext. 237 or email education@nawcc.org to reserve a space and receive an information packet.  Space in this program is limited to 80 participants.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association with close to 19,000 members, representing 52 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.  December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Museum is also open on Mondays. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead.  For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our website at www.museumoftime.org.