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
Hunting Rifle
Edwin Wesson (1811-1849), hunting rifle, c.1835, 46" x 6.5" x 1.75".
Edwin Wesson made hunting, target, and sporting percussion rifles and pistols in North Grafton from 1734 to 1740 at which point he moved to Northboro, MA. He died at the height of his success. His most notable work included innovations in cylinder and barrel design, making his firearms not only more reliable but also more accurate. Daniel Wesson, his brother whom he trained, continued the gunsmithing business finding great success after partnering with Horace Smith.
FEATURED BOOK
Timeless: Masterpiece American Brass Dial Clocks
by Frank L. Hohmann
Included are gorgeous color plates of 100 extraordinary brass dial American clocks, many never before published in color and some never published in any fashion. Over five hundred images of clock cases and movements are also included. Six essays provide insights on clock accuracy, shop structure, clockmaking business, socio-economic consideration, stylistic evolution, and the clockmakers' biographies. Be sure to check it out in our online shop or in person at Willard House.
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.