Willard House and Clock Museum

11 Willard St.
North Grafton, MA 01536
508-839-3500

Nestled in the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, Willard House and Clock Museum is a hidden jewel in Grafton's Farms District. Visitors will step back in time and discover a special small house museum that offers a unique look into colonial life in the late 18th century. In 1718, Joseph Willard and his wife, Martha Clarke, became Hassanamesit's first permanent white settlers when they constructed a small house on the outskirts of the village. The Willard's raised 12 children in the original one-room house, which still stands today and is the nucleus of the museum. Forty proprietors, including Joseph Willard, purchased Hassanamesit from the Nipmuc Indians in 1735 and incorporated the village as the Town of Grafton.

Four of Joseph Willard's grandsons--Benjamin, Simon, Ephraim, and Aaron, born between 1743 and 1757--became clockmakers. In 1764, Benjamin traveled to East Hartford, Connecticut, and learned the trade of clock making from clockmaker Benjamin Cheney. Two years later, he returned to Grafton and began making clocks in a shop built next to the family homestead. Following in their brother's footsteps, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron quickly learned the trade, and soon became recognized as America's premier 18th century clockmakers. In 1802, Simon Willard obtained a patent for his improved timepiece, or "banjo" clock, which today is considered one of the most significant styles of early 19th century American timepieces. Simon Willard also received a commission to make three gallery clocks for the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., and a commission by former president Thomas Jefferson to make the turret clock for the University of Virginia in 1825.

Today, the museum displays over 90 Willard clocks and is the largest collection of its kind in the world. There are numerous Willard family portraits, furnishings and heirlooms on exhibit, as well as sizeable collections of Colonial, Federal and Empire furniture; antique Oriental rugs; 18th century pewter; Victorian toys and dolls; military and hunting firearms; Nipmuc artifacts; and original Willard-related documents signed by Thomas Jefferson. The museum includes Joseph Willard's 1718 homestead, Benjamin Willard's 1766 clock manufactory, which still stands on its original foundation and is the last of its kind in New England, as well as three modern galleries. Willard House offers special events throughout the year, including teas, lectures, workshops, Early American Trades Fair, Colonial Muster, and co-sponsors the Grafton Antique Show on Grafton Common each June. It is a premier tourist attraction and a centerpiece of heritage tourism in the Blackstone Valley.