Columbia's Storied Places Lectures

Each generation of Columbia residents has transformed the town to meet their own needs. Thousands of Columbians have left their marks, large and small. Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s new exhibit at Columbia Crossing, created with the support of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society and Lancaster History, is a celebration of Columbia’s “storied places.” We explore how the borough’s iconic locations, from the industrial riverfront to the ornate but ill-fated opera house, evolved and changed over Columbia’s long history. Join us for a lecture series related to this fascinating exhibit. Each lecture will include a presentation of history and stories in Columbia. But, we can only scratch the surface; to really tell the stories of this place, we need your help. After the lecture you can share your story on our Storied Places Map. Lecture series is presented by Susquehanna National Heritage Area at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center.

These lectures are available virtually or in-person. To attend in-person, guests must provide proof of vaccination and must wear a mask indoors. All ticket purchasers will receive a link to watch the presentation from home. You can choose attend virtually at anytime without notifying Columbia Crossing. If you have questions about this policy, please contact us at 717-449-5607 ext 2.

Riverfront Stories

Lynn Smoker

Wednesday, April 27th, 6 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us for a lecture with Lynn Smoker to hear stories of Columbia’s riverfront. For more than two centuries the riverfront was a hub of commercial and industrial activities like lumbering, ice harvesting, railroading, and many mills. As these industries waned, Columbians came to the river to swim, boat, fish, and recreate with family and friends.