`Time in Office` An Exhibit of Presidential Timepieces

Where: National Watch and Clock Museum
514 Poplar St.
Columbia, PA 17512    ( Show a Map? )

Next Date:
Weds, Oct 15, `08 at 10:00am

Information:
From the moment you approach the building, you can tell there is something unprecedented happening inside. With great historical significance, a collection has been assembled filling visitors with wonder and awe at what is before them.

In honor of this presidential election year, and adorned with red, white, and blue swags, banners, and flags, the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA proudly presents Time in Office: An Exhibit of Presidential Timepieces. Watches, clocks, images, stories and memorabilia of many U.S. presidents show their views about time and significant events during their time in office.

This one-of-a-kind exhibit includes many timepieces and memorabilia that have been brought together for the first time in one museum, and some of the objects have never before left their home museums.

Numerous presidential libraries, museums, and historic sites have loaned objects and their expertise in telling the stories of the presidents. The Museum has also worked with the American Political Items Collectors to complement the exhibit with political ephemera of each president represented. “We wanted these very important and unique timepieces placed in proper context with the periods in which their owners served as president,” adds Museum Director Noel Poirier. “The presentation of political and campaign memorabilia with the timepieces highlights the fact that presidential time in office is limited in our democratic system of government.”

The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors’ School of Horology, located across from the Museum, will ensure that this exhibit will be one of the most unique ever held. The staff is dedicating many hours in the conservation and servicing of several of the delicate timepieces, including the pocket watches of George Washington, Harry Truman, and Rutherford B. Hayes, Truman’s wristwatch and James Buchanan’s tallcase clock.

Time in Office will continue through the November election until December 31. Special programs and lectures for school-age children and the general public will combine the science of timekeeping, presidential history, and horological history.

The exhibit is receiving technical and historical assistance from The James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. Financial support has been provided by The Richard C. von Hess Foundation of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Gallet Watch Company, the John Frederick Steinman Foundation of Lancaster, Donegal Mutual Insurance Company, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Swatch Group, Bully’s Restaurant of Columbia, and several Chapters of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Summer hours also include Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our website at www.nawcc.org.