The Thomas T. Taber Museum is the "Best Museum" in a local survey of the readers of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, in the 2021 Reader's Choice Contest.
Every year, the Sun-Gazette polls its readers to discover their favorites in the region. In the 2021 contest, the readers rated 146 separate contest categories. The Taber also won this distinction in 2020.
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.
The Museum is proud to have been again 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!