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, 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, we need your help to raise $3 million in five years
The museum is working with its Trustees, benefators and foundations to meet its financial committmen and 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
Eight-day Timepiece
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
A Study of Simon Willard's Clocks
by R. W. Husher and W.W. Welch
Many people may feel that everything about Simon Willard's clocks had already been told and retold. In reality this subject has only been treated quite superficially in the past; consequently, this study will surprise them. It makes use of primary source information obtained from many Willard clocks. All of the second and third hand Willard references were ignored. By means of this basic and analytical approach, the authors have introduced a completely fresh new concept of Simon Willard's clock designs and of the man himself. Willard's sources of ideas and how he carried them out is the essence of this book.
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.