Willard House and Clock Museum

11 Willard Street  North Grafton, Massachusetts   (508) 839-3500   www.willardhouse.org

Basket Making Workshop

Willard House and Clock Museum located at 11 Willard Street in North Grafton will be holding a basket making workshop on Saturday, September 22, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. The project will be a gathering basket. All materials are supplied. The fee for Members $30.00; the Non-Member fee is $35.00. Due to limited seating, reservations are required by September 20. Please call (508) 839-3500 for more information or to make reservations. www.willardhouse.org

Volunteer Orientation

 Willard House and Clock Museum located at 11 Willard Street in North Grafton will be holding a one-hour Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, September 29, 2007, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will learn about the museum’s various activities held throughout the year and the many types of volunteer opportunities that are offered. Registration is requested. For more information or to register, please call (508) 839-3500 or e-mail john@willardhouse.org.

Summer Activities

Beginning Saturday, May 19th through December 16, 2007, the museum has a special exhibit (worth a trip back)
featuring over 20 Tall Case Clocks all in the Main Gallery. This exhibit is included in the general admission fee.
In addition, the museum’s grounds will be a great place to spend time on Sunday afternoon, June 3.
The Colonial Trades Fair (free) will be open from 12:00 to 4 p.m.
Browse among the craftsmen and vendors, see demonstrations of colonial crafts and enjoy homemade chowder and desserts.
On a final note, those of you with young children/grandchildren ages 2-5, the museum will again be having
Wednesday morning story hour from 9:30 to 10 throughout the summer.
Please check our website for full details on these events and other happenings.
Enjoy the summer!

www.willardhouse.org


PS – Thank you for your continued support and contributions to the Annual Appeal.
If you haven’t already given, please consider supporting the museum with your contribution,
membership, or volunteerism. Everyone’s efforts are greatly appreciated by the Trustees and staff.

Christmas Tea

 Sunday, December 3, 2006 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Gather with family and friends at the historic Willard House, decorated for the holidays in the Colonial tradition by membersof the Grafton Garden Club. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea and homemade pastries in the museum's Main Gallery while listening to live music provided by the Apple Tree Arts Flute Choir. The Gift Shop will be open for those seeking an unusual gift, and there will be clock making demonstrations in the Clock Shop, children's activities in the Simon Willard Gallery and brief tours throughout the galleries.

Free Admission, courtesy of A G Edwaqrds & Sons
Reservations are requested, but not required.
To make reservations, please call (508) 839-3500 or email connie@willardhouse.org

11th Annual Robinson Lecture
Sunday, October 8, 2006 – 2 p.m.
Presentation by Chris Bailey, Curator of the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT
From the Willard’s Workshop to the Factories of Connecticut: 19th Century Clockmaking in New England
FREEto make reservations, please call or e-mail connie@willardhouse.org

Colonial Muster Day
– Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 1-4 p.m.
Colonial muster presented by members of the Sudbury Company of Militia and Minute
Children and adults can participate in drilling and marchingwith 18th century soldier re-enactors.
There will be musket and cannon firings throughout the afternoon.
FREE admission to grounds - reservations are NOT required
Museum tours available at regular admission

American Girl Doll Halloween Party
Sunday, October 22, 2006 – 2-3 p.m.
Parents and children can enjoy an old-fashioned tea party. Costumes are optional for everyone (including dolls)
Ghost stories, halloween favors, treats are part of the festi. All types of dolls are welcomed.
Adults - members $7.00 – non-members $8.00
Children – members $6.00 – non-members $7.00
Due to limited seating and demand - Reservation payment is non-refundable after October 20, 2006
RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN – event sells out quickly!

Basket Making Workshop
Saturday, November 4, 2006 – 10-3 p.m.
Impress family and friends for the holidays when you serve them FRENCH or ITALIAN bread
in your own custom made bread basket. You choose which type basket to make. All materials supplied.
Basket also makes a creative centerpiece with pine cones, candles and ribbons for your table setting.
Members $30.00 – Non-members $35.00
Due to supply purchases and seating – Reservation payment is non-refundable after November 2, 2006
RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN – workshop has limited seating capacity
Event sells out quickly!
Please note – payment in full is required for reservations.

Reminder – the Christmas Tea will be on December 3, 2006 from 2-3 in the Main Gallery. (more information to follow) The Grafton Garden Club always does a great job decorating the museum. The Town of Grafton will also be having their “chain of lights” program on the Common and several area businesses will be participating. In addition, the Grafton Historical Society will be having an open house in their newly renovated space at the Old Town Hall on the Common. Plan to make a day of it with family and friends – celebrate the holidays throughout the town.

Early American Trades Fair
Sunday, June 4, 2006 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The entire family will enjoy a FREE afternoon of discovery and hands-on activities. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate early American trades, including blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, basket making, pottery making, coopering and clock making. Homemade corn and clam chowder, fresh strawberry shortcake, apple dumplings, gourmet ice cream, jams, jellies, local honey, herbs and perennial plants are a few of the items available for purchase. In addition to the crafts being demonstrated and sold, you will have an opportunity to do some old-fashioned bartering for Attic Treasures and silent auction items.
Admission to the Trades Fair is free; special $3.00 “mini-tours” of the museum will be offered.
Lead Sponsor: John H. Chaffee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission
Co-Sponsored by the Grafton Cultural Council and Savers Bank.

JUST A REMINDER – Story Hour will be starting again on June 14, 2006 from 9:30 to 10:00 and every Wednesday throughout the summer. Space is limited so please call to reserve a place for your child/grandchild. This has been very successful and the seating fills up quickly.
Have a great summer!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone (check out our gift shop for some unusual, handmade cards and unique valentine jewelry). Enjoy the upcoming winter vacation.

Turn Back the Clock
School Vacation Program

Wednesday, February 22, 2005
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Children ages 8 through 12 will have fun assembling their first working clock! Learn about the Willard family, visit their home and the old clock shop, discover the several types of clocks they made, tour the museum galleries, and try to imagine what life was like back in the 1700's. After the tour, each child will then have the experience of building and seeing the actual mechanics of their very own working clock. The class fee includes all materials.
Members: $20.00; Non-Members: $25.00; Accompanying Adults: $6.00
Advance registration required by February 18.

Basket Making Workshop for Children

Thursday, February 23, 2006
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During the school vacation period, children will be given an opportunity to take advantage of this beginner's level workshop, specifically designed for children ages 9 through 15. They will learn basic weaving techniques and enjoy the satisfaction of having created their own basket. Children, who have successfully completed this workshop and have received the instructor's permission, will be given the opportunity to join advance adult classes held throughout the year. The class fee includes all materials.
Members: $30.00; Non-Members: $35.00
Advance registration required by February 14, 2006

Happy New Year!

Hope your holidays were wonderful and that you're looking forward to some relaxation for the next few months. We are offering a basket making workshop and an enjoyable way to spend part of your day, on a cold winter afternoon, sipping coffee and learning a new skill.
If you have ideas for other workshops, please contact us.

Basket Making Workshop
Saturday, January 28, 2006
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Discover the fun of learning the age-old craft of basket weaving. In this beginner's level workshop, participants will make a functional, decorative 8x9 inch multi-use marketplace basket with handle. Future advance classes will be offered throughout the year. Beginner class a pre-requisite. The class fee includes all materials.
Members: $30.00; Non-Members: $35.00
Advance registration required by January 24, 2006

Update: The museum's first Annual Appeal has had a tremendous response with over $7,500 in donations received to date. If you haven't had a chance to participate, please contact us and we'll send you a form.
All contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent proved by law. Thank you for your support!

Christmas Tea

 Sunday, December 4 2005 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m.
Gather with family and friends at the historic Willard House, decorated for the holidays in the Colonial tradition by members of the Grafton Garden Club. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or tea and homemade pastries in the museu's Main Gallery while listening to live music provided by the Apple Tree Arts Flute Choir. The museum's Gift Shop will be open for those seeking an unusual gift, and there will be clock making demonstrations in the Clock Shop, children's activities in the Simon Willard Gallery and brief tours throughout the galleries.

Free admission, courtesy of Koopman Lumbar and AG Edwards & Sons.
Reservations are requested, but not required.
To make reservations, please call (508) 839-3500 or e-mail connie@willardhouse.org

Grafton Celebrates The Holidays

 On December 4, 2005 the Town of Grafton will be celebrating the holidays with their Chain of Lights program. I have attached a copy of their brochure for your use.
Grafton Celebrates the Holidays Brochure 2005.doc
I hope that everyone will be able to attend the Tea at the Museum from 2 – 4 p.m. David Gow will be demonstrating clockmaking in the Clock Shop,
the gift shop will be stocked with several unique and educational gifts, children will be able to make ornaments to take home,
and the museum’s galleries will be open to the public.
Admission is free, courtesy of Koopman Lumber and AG Edwards and Sons.
Reservations are requested but not required.
Please call 508-839-3500 or e-mail the museum connie@willardhouse.org.
Happy holidays to everyone – enjoy the season – which is quickly approaching.
Hope to hear back from you.

10th Annual Robinson Lecture
Sunday, October 30, 2005
2:00 p.m.

          Richard L. Ketchen will be this year's speaker at the museum's Robinson Lecture scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2005 in the Willard House and Clock Museum's Main Gallery. Mr. Ketchen's presentation will be The Precision Clocks in the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at Harvard University.

          Harvard University's collection of precision clocks is used at the College and the Harvard College Observatory; they cover a wide range of accuracy and a time span from the late 17th to the early 20th century. Two very fine Willard astronomical regulators are included in the collection. Mr. Ketchen will show photos of these seldom seen-clocks and talk of their history and horological significance.

          Richard L. Ketchen is a Fellow of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, winner of the NAWCC Gold Medal for Craftsmanship in 1980, past president of the Greater Boston Watch and Clock Collectors, and a frequent lecturer on technological horology.

          The Robinson Lecture was established by the Willard Family Association of America and NAWCC New England Chapter 8 in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Roger Robinson, who founded the museum in 1971. The museum is located at 11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA. Admission to the lecture is free. Due to limited seating, reservations are requested. To make reservations, please call (508) 839-3500. For more information, visit our website at www.willardhouse.org

 

Greetings! Just a short note to keep everyone informed about the latest and ongoing events.
Each Wednesday, through August, the “Once Upon a Time” story hour series is being held.
Children and their parents arrive early every Wednesday to listen to stories, receive a take
home novelty relating to the theme of the stories, and naturally hear all the clocks strike at 10.
One week in particular, the children received their yellow construction hard hats and posed
with the painter who was working here, along with several other tradesmen, doing renovation
work to the exterior of the museum. Please stop by to see the latest improvements, take a tour,
become a volunteer, or sign up for one of the events.
Have a nice summer, and watch the website for other upcoming fall events, including Colonial
Muster Day on October 2, a free family event held on the grounds of the museum. As always,
we appreciate any suggestions and your continued support.

Calendar of Events
Once Upon a Time” Children’s Story Hour

Willard Wednesdays
June 15 through August 31, 2005
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Free Admission.

Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my!” Children ages 2 to 5 and parents will enjoy the
museum’s special “time” for children at its free summer series, “Once Upon a Time,” that
will be held weekly through August 31. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite blankets.

Advance registration is required. To register, please call (508) 839-3500.
Sponsored by Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency

American Girl Doll English Tea Party
Sunday, August 14, 2005
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy afternoon tea in a country setting at Willard House.
Dress your doll in her 'Sunday best' outfit, exchange ideas on the latest doll fashions,
socialize and meet new friends.

Children’s Admission: Members $5.00 Non-Members: $6.00 Dolls: Free
Adult Companions: Members $6.00 Non-Members: $7.00
Advance registration required


Upcoming Events


English Tea

Colonial Muster Day

9th Annual Robinson Lecture



Early American Trades Fair
Sunday, June 5, 2005
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The entire family will enjoy an afternoon of discovery and hands-on activities.
Costumed interpreters will demonstrate early American trades, including blacksmithing,
tinsmithing, spinning, weaving, basket making, pottery making, shoemaking and clockmaking.
Period lawn games and hands on activities for children will also be available.
This special event is sponsored by the Grafton Cultural Council and Savers Bank.
Free admission.

38th Annual Grafton Antique Show and Sale on the Common
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Early admission at 9:00 a.m.: $10.00
General admission from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: $5.00 ($4.50 with coupon)
This year’s show features 50 exhibitors. Morning and lunch refreshments will be available.
Proceeds benefit Willard House and the Grafton Historical Society.
For more information, please call (508) 641-4584 or (508) 839-3500.
We will be doing the “Once Upon a Time Story Hours” on Willard Wednesday beginning
Wednesday, June 15, 2005 and continuing throughout the summer. The story hours are free,
but do require advance registration. The story hours are for (3-5) three to five year old children.
This is a great activity for children or grandchildren. The story hour is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00
and the parent/grandparent is required to stay with the child. Please contact the museum to
sign up (a maximum of three different story dates) with each registration.
Connie Posterro
Marketing and Program Manager
connie@willardhouse.org
Willard House and Clock Museum
11 Willard Street
North Grafton, MA 01536-2011
(508) 839-3500
www.willardhouse.org

Although this workshop is happening next weekend, we still have a few openings available for those who want to escape the winter blahs and join in for a social afternoon of relaxing while developing italic handwriting techniques. Since we are stuck inside for the next few weeks, it might provide a welcome relief from our over-developed “snow shoveling” skills.

Calligraphy Workshop


Saturday, March 12, 2005 12:00 to 3:0

Participants will learn the basics of Italic lettering in this introductory workshop. Instruction and practice of the lower case alphabet, capital letters and the flourished capital letter will be presented. Practice will be in ink and water colors. Italic nib, holder, ink and lettering guide will be provided for students to keep for their own use. Water colors and practice paper will be provided for the class.

Members: $25.00; Non-Members: $30.00
Advance registration required by March 10.

And believe it not, spring is just around the corner and the gardening season will soon be upon us. Enjoy a cup of hot tea or coffee, along with an interesting lecture on planting the right flowers for fall projects, as we get through the month of April showers!!! Summer can’t be far behind – hopefully.

Pressed for Thyme Dried and Pressed Flower Lecture


Saturday, April 23, 2005 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

How does your garden grow? Now is the time for the selection of flowers and herbs to be planted for your fall craft projects. This lecture will focus on the “how-to” of drying and pressing flowers and the types of flowers best suited for wreath making, picture frames, and the Pressed Flower Lampshade Workshop being offered in September. Examples of these flowers will be on display. A question and answer period will follow the lecture. Light refreshments will be provided. An optional museum tour will be available for $5.00 following the program.

Members: $3.00; Non-Members: $5.00
Limited seating; advance registration required by April 20.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions about workshops and lectures that you would like to see offered here at Willard House and Clock Museum. We always look forward to hearing from you, so send an e-mail – just to keep in touch. If you wish to have your name removed from this list, please contact us immediately.

Thank you.
Connie Posterro
Marketing and Program Manager
connie@willardhouse.org

December Programs

 

Annual Christmas Tea

Sunday. December 5, 2004   2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Visit the historic Willard House and tour the museum and galleries which will be decorated for the holidays in the Colonialtradition. Enjoy tea and pastries, children’s activities and clock making demonstrations. Free admission. Reservations are requested, but not required. For reservations, please call (508) 839-3500.

 

Museum Shop Christmas Sale

Now through December 23rd, the Museum Shop will offer a 10% discount (members receive a 20% discount) on most gift shop items. Antique clocks, period toys, working clock kits, mechanical gear kits, books, miniature clocks, blown glass ornaments, sun catchers and orchids represent a few of the museum’s many unique gift items.

 

"Turn Back the Clock" School Vacation Program

Wednesday. Decvember 29, 2004   1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Members $20.00 -- Non-Members $25.00.

Children ages 8 through 12 will have fun assembling their first working clock! Following a museum tour, each child will have the opportunity to build and see the actual mechanics of a working clock. All materials are supplied.

Advance registration required by December 23. To register, please call (508) 839-3500

November Programs

 

Herbal Lecture: Harmful or Helpful

Wednesday. November 3, 2004   7:00 p.m.

Members Free -- Non-Members $3.00.

            Tracy Posterro, Registered Pharmacist, will present a lecture on herbs nd their beneficial or dangerous side effects when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Advance registration required by October 31

 

Crocheting Workshop

Saturday. November 6, 2004   11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Members $25.00 -- Non-Members $30.00.

            Make elegant Christmas ornaments using single and double crocheting stitches. These ornaments are perfect for hanging in windows, on Christmas trees or decorating gift packages. All materials will be supplied. Please bring lunch: coffee, tea, and dessert will be provided. Advance registration required by November 3

 

Topiary Workshop

Saturday. November 27, 2004   11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Members $35.00 -- Non-Members $40.00.

            Make a holiday decoration using boxwood to create a 'faux' topiary. After decorating the topiary, sponges or stencils will be used to hand paint the garden pot container. All materials will be supplied. Please bring lunch. Coffee tea and dessert will be provided. Advance registration required by November 24

 

October Programs

 

"Once Upon a Time" Childrenl's Story Hour

Wednesdays in October     9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Free admission.

            Parents will enjoy "Once upon a Time' stories with their children ages 2-5 on Willard Wednesdays during October in the museum's Main Gallery. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal and blanket.

Advance registration required. To register, please call (508) 839-3500.

 

Quilting Workshop

Saturday, October 23, 2004    11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Members: $25.00; Non-Members: $30.00

 

            This quilting workshop is for both beginning and advanced students. The workshop will provide an introduction for beginners who will learn basic piecing and quilting techniques and will complete a 16" x 9" patch square. Experienced students will learn advanced quilting techniques and progress at their own level. All materials will be supplied. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea and dessert will be provided.

 

Advance registration required by October 20, 2004. To register, please call (508) 839-3500.

 

9th Annual Robinson Lecture

Sunday, October 24, 2004    2:00 p.m.

Free admission.

 

            John A. Delaney of Delaney's Antique Clocks will be this year's speaker at the 9th Annual Robinson Lecture. Mr. Delaney will discuss the history and development of shelf clocks made by Simon and Aaron Willard during the first quarter of the 19th century. The lecture will be held in the museum's Main Gallery in conjunction with a special 8 week exhibition of Willard Shelf Clocks.

 

            The Robinson Lecture was established by the Willard Family Association and NAWCC New England Chapter 8 in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Roger Robinson, who founded the museum in 1971.

 

Due to limited seating, reservations are requested. To make reservations, please call (508) 839-3500.

 

revised 11 Nov 2005