The Thomas T. Taber Museum is the "Best Museum" in a local survey of the readers of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, in the annual Reader's Choice Contest.
Every year, the Sun-Gazette polls its readers to discover their favorites in the region. In the 2020 contest, the readers rated 146 separate contest categories.
The museum, founded in 1907, interprets the regional history of northcentral Pennsylvania. In a series of vignettes and galleries, the museum explores the history of the region from Native American occupation, colonial exploration and settlement, further development of the region with the birth of the Pennsylvania Canal, 18th and 19th century immigration, and the harvesting of timber, leading to Williamsport’s accolade, “Lumber Capital of the World’. In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, it is said that more wealthy men and women lived on Millionaires’ Row in Williamsport than any other place on earth.
Other exhibits and galleries highlight the decorative and fine arts, military history, farming, crafts, industry and the Twentieth Century. The incomparable Larue Shempp Model Train Collection of over three hundred model trains and two layouts is a ‘must see’ on any tour.
Unfortunately due to Governor Wolf’s orders, the museum is closed for touring and research at the present time. However, our holiday exhibit, “A Holiday Jewel Box at a County Gem: Quilts, Silver and Jade at the Taber” will be extended through the end of February. The exhibit features twenty-two quilts made by textiles artist Wendy Etzel. A number of the quilts depict the mansions of Millionaires’ Row as rendered in cloth and lace. Enhancing the quilts are selections from the Eccles Hall Collection of sparkling silver and stunning jade objets.
The Museum is proud to have been selected as the "Best." Of course, we have always believed that the Taber offers the highest quality museum experience in the region. Thanks to our neighbors for confirming our opinion!