15 Million Reasons To Make You Smile
WHCM to Receive $15 Million Gift to Expand its Collection and Build State-of-the-Art Facility
On April 27th, 2024, 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.
to make this remarkable gift a reality, the museum must meet a capital campaign goal of $6 million.
Good news! we need your help to raise only $1.8 million by the end of 2028.
The museum is working with its Trustees, benefators and foundations to meet its financial committmen. Since last year we have raised $4.2 million in donations, pledges and land sales against our goal of $6 million by the end of 2028 - but we need your help. There are many ways to donate - from checks and credit card and donor advised fund gifts to stock transfers and IRA Qualified Charitable Deductions, your contribution has a direct and lasting impact on the museum.
Questions? Feel free to call us at 508-839-3500 or write us at info@willardhouse.org.
The willard family - THE CENTER OF EARLY AMERICAN CLOCKMAKING
Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in North Grafton, 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
Massachusetts Shelf Clock
Eight-day timepiece in the Willard House collection by Aaron Willard (1757-1844), Boston, c. 1835
The mahogany case is painted white, a color called “stone”, and has been incorrectly used as evidence that “white painted” clocks were “bride’s” clocks and given to brides on their wedding day. This nomenclature started in the literature about 100 years ago and continues incorrectly to this day by dealers, collectors and museums. White was one of several colors painted on Willard shelf and wall clocks in addition to bottle green and red. Although rare, white patent timepieces, shelf clocks and furniture forms are known that date well before the “white wedding” of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 which began the popularity of brides wearing white at their weddings.
FEATURED BOOK
Willard Patent Timepieces: A History of the Weight-Driven Banjo Clock 1800 - 1900s
by Paul Foley
This 358-page hard-cover book is an essential reference for any student, collector, or dealer in early American clocks, furniture, antiques, or decorative arts. Written by the recognized expert on patent timepieces, this book is the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date listing of early 19th-century New England pre-industrial clockmakers. It includes detailed biographies of over 1,000 clockmakers, cabinetmakers, ornamental painters, brass founders, and allied craftsmen. It has over 650 detailed illustrations, 345 in full color.
WHCM is pleased to partner with the following organizations
The Dietrich American Foundation was established in 1963 by H. Richard Dietrich, Jr. (1938–2007) to collect, research and document historically important examples of American decorative and fine arts, primarily of the eighteenth century.
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 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education.