The Center of Early American Clockmaking
WHCM to Receive $15 Million Gift to Expand its Collection and Build State-of-the-Art Facility
On April 27th, the museum officially announced a gift, in excess of $15 million from Trustee Charles N. Grichar - a collection of The finest Willard clocks and Howard astronomical regulators in existence, all of which will double the museum’s collection.
In addition, the collection will be housed in a new state-of-the-art facility that will substantially expand the museum’s footprint and offer a new compliment of horological support services.
The willard family
Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim, and Aaron, quickly learned the trade and began a three-generation clockmaking legacy.
Today, over 90 Willard clocks are exhibited in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings, and other Willard family heirlooms. Works by all three generations of Willard clockmakers, including famed clockmakers Simon Willard Jr. and Benjamin Franklin Willard, are also displayed.
Take a step back in time and witness a unique and important part of America's technological, artistic, and entrepreneurial history with us.
Plan your visit
For information and directions, please look through our About pages. If you have any questions, please call the museum at 508.839.3500. We look forward to seeing you.
Featured Object
Simon Willard (1753-1848), Roxbury, MA lighthouse alarm clock with painted toleware case. This clock was stolen from Willard House in 1976, part of a number of thefts that seemed to focus on this type.
Ten years later the movement was returned, but the case has never been recovered. It is currently displayed on a stand. This piece is Number 7 in Simon Willard Patent Alarm Time Pieces.
Featured Book
Simon Willard Patent Alarm Time Pieces
by Paul Foley and John Losch
Based on an exhibit at Willard House from 2003. This book has 110 full-color pages and features 40 examples illustrated with 185 photos, including movements and dials. If you have ever wondered about Simon Willard's third patent, known as a "lighthouse clock," this volume contains the latest research.
The museum already owns three pieces in this book. With the Grichar collection, we will own two more.
WHCM is pleased to partner with the following organizations:
