The Jost Bürgi Research Library Contains Over 25,000 Items Relating To Horology
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) was founded in 1866 as a guild by watchmakers for watchmakers. One of the first initiatives agreed on was to start a library, which would include reference texts of the times. Although modest in size, the HSNY library has always been an important resource.
Today, HSNY announces a major expansion and naming of its library with the establishment of the Jost Bürgi Research Library, now one of the world’s largest horological libraries, containing over 25,000 items on all aspects of the study of time and timekeepers.
A panoramic view of the Horological Society of New York’s Jost Bürgi Research Library.
The first library of its kind in New York City, the HSNY collection still contains original texts donated by its founding members but grows exponentially with the donation of a private collection once belonging to Fortunat Mueller-Maerki (b. 1946).
A longtime bibliophile, Mueller-Maerki owned one of the largest horological libraries in private hands. He spent 30 years traveling the world and purchasing horological material including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, rare ephemera and more.
Fortunat Mueller-Maerki (L) pictured with HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos at the grand opening ceremony of the Jost Bürgi Research Library, October 2022.
The HSNY Library, named by Mueller-Maerki after innovative Swiss clockmaker Jost Bürgi, is a 2,000 square-foot horological oasis boasting nearly 800 linear feet of custom-built shelf space, housing (amongst other things) a rare book collection with first editions and treasures dating as far back as 1652.
The ever-growing library also features more than 7,735 antiquarian and modern books on horology, over 4,675 auction sales and trade catalogs, an extensive collection of horological periodicals comprising 2,300 publications, 6,100 academic and technical articles, 2,700 pieces of ephemera, including brochures, advertising materials, posters, and a postcard collection comprising 1,161 pieces.
A closeup of the rare book collection housing first editions and texts dating as far back as 1652.
“It was my hope to build a library that would one day serve the greatest number of people,” said Mueller-Maerki. “Housing it in Manhattan under the care of the Horological Society of New York is a donor’s dream come true.”
The HSNY Library is located on the fifth floor of the General Society Building on Midtown’s historic “club row”. From its double-height arched windows, patrons can enjoy views of the Harvard Club of New York City, where HSNY holds its annual Gala. The library also serves as an educational exhibits and special events space for the Society. On staff is HSNY's full-time librarian, Dr. Miranda Marraccini, ready to assist with research requests.
The Jost Bürgi Research Library contains nearly 800 linear feet of custom-built shelf space for horological books.
“After a three-year project consisting of moving, organizing and integrating the Mueller-Maerki library, the HSNY Library is now once again open to all,” said Nicholas Manousos, HSNY Executive Director. “The HSNY library represents an incredible opportunity to educate the public on the fascinating field of horology. I look forward to welcoming everyone to this beautiful space.”
The Jost Bürgi Research Library is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 AM - 5 PM ET. All are welcome to use the library and browse the collection. Appointments are encouraged for research and can be made here. To learn about and search materials, please browse the online library catalog.
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ABOUT THE HOROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
Founded in 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is one of the oldest continuously operating horological associations in the world. Today, HSNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education. Members are a diverse mix of watchmakers, clockmakers, executives, journalists, auctioneers, historians, salespeople and collectors, reflecting the rich nature of horology in New York City and around the world.