Columbia's Storied Places Lectures: Columbia's Opera House

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.  

Columbia’s Opera House
Chris Vera of Columbia Historic Preservation Society
Wednesday, February 23^rd, 6 PM – 7:30 PM

In 1872, Columbia showed off her wealth with a new town hall that included a 1,000 seat opera house. It was the biggest public building in Lancaster County at the time. Only 75 years later, a tragic fire destroyed most of the building. Chris Vera will share the building’s history and most interesting stories.