the willard house & clock museum

The tour is guided only, which I find annoying, but it's a cool place to see. A great local history gem, or a pleasant way to spend a little bit of time if you're interested in the history of the area of the history of mechanics/engineering.

This is our second visit to this museum--and this time we took friends of ours from New Hampshire to see the variety of clocks on display. We began by taking a 60-minute tour of the museum where we learned about the origination of the clocks and the Willard family. We toured the entire house and observed the original furniture, ceramics, pictures and other family possessions. The clocks displayed were very interesting, some dating back to the 18th century. We particularly enjoyed the musical clocks and the very old grandfather clocks. The tour was excellent and very well narrated by the docents. Admission fee is $10.00; $9.00 for seniors. Visit was well worth the price of admission. We were served tea and cookies at the conclusion of the tour but I don't know if this is regularly done.

This is an interesting place - not only a collection of Willard family produced clocks but also of a furniture collection and even some toys. It is a lovely location, and the staff are very interested in sharing their knowledge of the items in the museum. The collection is housed in the old Willard homestead which has been appropriately enlarged to showcase all the items in various house room settings. This really is a unique place - great for an outing of an afternoon. I would not, however, take children under age 10 or so.There are stairs to a second floor but I didn't notice an elevator.

We travelled to Grafton for the day (As seen on the TV Show Cronicle) as a family outing and the most popular attraction here was the Clock Museum. We took a tour that lasted less than an hour long, but was one of the most interesting, casual tours I have ever been on. It was a very fun day for the whole family, and they even have a gift shop at the end, to pick up a souvinire to remember this fun day. After the tour we travelled down the road to the center of the town to the Grafton Inn for a nice lunch that was not the least bit expensive. Overall this day in Grafton was a great family outing and an even better memory. I highly reccomend taking a trip out to the Willard House and Clock Museum.

We stayed in the Worcester area for 2 weeks, 10 days of which were gloomy, rainy and dark. On one of those days, we decided to visit a more local attraction. Did want to go to the Clara Barton House (founder of the Red Cross) but it is closed after September. We are not the tiniest bit interested in clocks, but since this Clock Museum was open, decided to chance it.It was one of the most fascinating and wonderful side trips we have ever done. The country roads that took us there were so picturesque, especially at this time of year.When we came in, we were told that the tour takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. That sounded long to us, since we have no interest in clocks. However, we were there, and so, okay. Well, our tour took almost 2 hours, and we were the only people on this particular tour. The tour guide/docent (I think her name was Sarah) was so knowledgeable and presented facts in such an informative and interesting manner, that we found the clocks absolutely fascinating. We learned so much, that from now on, we will look at clocks with different eyes. Never knew things like "mandolin clocks", "lyre clocks", lighthouse clocks", etc. existed. To us, a clock was a clock.The house is lovely and how wonderful that in its time of need, benefactors materialized. But, oh those clocks! And, oh that walking reference book docent! It was just wonderful!

Fantastic display of hand made old clocks. Great craftsmen of yesteryear.The clocks are one of a kind and show the detail and pride that went into creating these time pieces.

Very interesting clocks are on display in the small museum in Grafton,MA. Of particulsr interest is the variety of old grandfather clocks. I liked the fact that the owner of the clocks at the museum is very knowledgeable and gives backgroun on the origin of the clocks. The museum exists in Grafton, MA possibly because the Telecron clock was invented by Henry Warren in nearby Ashland, MA. Definitely worth a stop if your in the area.

There is no tarmac or painted white lines in the green field where we park our car. It really is a car “park”. Across the field is an attractive red-painted barn-like homestead surrounded by a pretty garden and thick woodlands. Inside it’s a fascinating peep into the period before digital clocks, when an accurate and beautiful timepiece could still be assembled in a home workshop.

This private little museum is a labor of love. No crowds. Great host(s). Fascinating history and beautiful clocks. Something for everyone to learn. Located in a pastoral spot, near Tufts Veterinary School campus. If you are driving in the area, perhaps searching out farm stores such as the Houldons', spend some time at the Willard.

The Willard family crafted clocks that have been cherished by US presidents and collectors around the world. The museum is a gem not just for the clock collection but for the buildings and grounds which have been so well preserved. A visit to the museum brings you back to the time the clocks were crafted here. A great asset to the Blackstone Valley, Grafton and Massachusetts. A must visit for anyone that loves history.

Located on the back roads behind Tufts Vet School in North Grafton MA, this Museam is a must visit. The Museam is rich in history dating back to the beginning of our Country. The clocks are beautiful. They also host a variety of events throughout the year. If you are lucky you get pretty much a private tour.