The Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum Are A Must-See For History Lovers

 

If you love history, the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg are not to be missed. Artifacts include items that once belonged to Christopher Columbus, Napoleon, Pancho Villa and even a piano bought by Dolly Madison for the White House. There is also a fine collection of artifacts from WWI, as well as many paintings and writings. While you’re out in Boalsburg, stop by #StockerSubaru. We’re just a short drive away. We’d love to show you the latest Subaru models and set you up for a test drive. We’d like to be your State College car dealer of choice. 

The museum property consists of the mansion, several outbuildings and a small, rustic chapel. The home was built in 1800-10 as a basic log home by one of the area’s first resident’s, David Boal. Eight generations of Boals lived in the home. David Boal’s son, George Boal served as a Representative in the Pennsylvania House and was founder of the Centre County Agricultural Society. He is responsible for locating the Farmer’s School (now Penn State) in State College in 1855. 

George’s grandson, Theodore Davis Boal is responsible for the buildings and their amazing contents. While living in Paris, he married Mathilde Dolorès Denis de Lagarde, a French aristocrat related to Christopher Columbus, and ended up inheriting the Columbus family castle in Asturias, Spain. In 1909, Boal built an exact replica of the castle’s chapel, and had the entire contents of the castle boxed up and shipped to Boalsburg.  Items range from beautiful 15th Century paintings to the chapel’s original wooden door, as well as the Columbus family tree and Columbus family coat of arms that dated back hundreds of years. The chapel also contains Columbus’  Admiral’s desk and several religious statues that may have been on the ship during his voyages. Also on display is a small silver cross from the Crusades.  

Other items include WWI firearms and weaponry, as well as chainmail from 18th century Persia and a 15th century European crossbow. Other items of interest include a lock of Napoleon’s hair (he was related to the Boal family) as well as items from the graves of King Tut’s grandparents (a Boal relative financed Howard Carter’s first expedition in Egypt). 

This unique museum is well worth a visit even if you’re not a history buff! Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. May 1 through October 31. Admission is just $10 for adults and $6 for children. 

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