Supporting the Legacy of America's Preeminent 19th-century Clockmakers From Massachusetts
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today that it has established a partnership with the Willard House & Clock Museum in North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Last month HSNY launched a partnership program, beginning with the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers, with a mission to champion like-minded nonprofit organizations around the world.
Willard House is one of Grafton's oldest buildings, constructed in the early 1700s, where relatives Benjamin, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron Willard would become America's preeminent late 18th and 19th-century clockmakers, making their first clocks in 1766. In 1802, Simon Willard obtained a patent for his Timepiece, or "banjo" clock. Today, Willard’s Patent Timepiece is considered to be one of the most significant styles of early 19th century American timepieces.
Founded by Dr. Roger and Imogene Robinson in 1969, and opened to the public in 1971, the museum features the world's largest collection of Willard clocks. The collection is displayed in period room settings in the 1718 Joseph Willard homestead, the 1766 Benjamin Willard Clock Manufactory and three modern galleries, and also includes more than 90 Willard clocks, Willard family portraits and furnishings and priceless Americana including original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Today, the museum offers monthly events including their Plein Air Painting and concert series, lectures by Executive Director Robert C. Cheney and other scholars in the field.
“We are honored to be in partnership with the prestigious Horological Society of New York,” said Willard House & Clock Museum Executive Director and Curator, Robert C. Cheney. “HSNY has been at the forefront of horological education with the recognition that the study of time and timekeeping offers an amazing array of subjects beyond mechanics and history. Combining art with science, mathematics and astronomy, horology offers exciting opportunities for study, as an avocation or lifetime vocation. This collaboration between Willard and HSNY represents a significant and meaningful way for both of our organizations to educate a more comprehensive audience on the ‘art and mystery’ of horology."
“We’re proud to establish our first U.S. partnership with the Willard House & Clock Museum,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “American clockmaking is an important part of horological history and it’s incredible to have so many documented treasures at the Willard House & Clock Museum. We look forward to sharing their educational endeavors with our members and friends for years to come.”
Learn more about the Horological Society of New York here.
Learn more about the Willard House & Clock Museum here.
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About the Willard House & Clock Museum
Located at 11 Willard Street in North Grafton, MA, the Willard House and Clock Museum exhibits more than 90 Willard clocks in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other family heirlooms. Works by all three generations of Willard clockmakers, including famed clockmakers, including second-generation clockmakers Simon Willard Jr. and Benjamin Franklin Willard, are also displayed. The Museum tour includes the original Willard House, built about 1720, the clock-making workshop and three additional galleries.
Official website: www.willardhouse.org
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.
Official website: https://hs-ny.org
