Family outings
Willard House and Clock Museum
By Carol Anne Geary Contributing Writer

Region - The Willard House and Clock Museum in North Grafton is one of those hidden gems in central Massachusetts that should be on everyone's list of places to visit. It has more than 80 Willard clocks on display at the homestead that was the birthplace and workshop of the 18th centuryWillard family of clockmakers.

I have visited the museum on a number of occasions with my sons and touring the Willard House is an interesting glimpse back to living in the past. The clocks on display are simply amazing in their craftsmanship. The museum often offers programs as well and we have attended its open houses during Grafton Celebrates the Holidays nearly every year since we have moved back to the area.

This summer, Willard House holds story times every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 29. The story times are designed for ages 2 through 5 and participants are encouraged to bring a favorite blanket. Themes vary weekly and children are given a handout or take-home activity. Children can hear more than 20 clocks chime at the end of each story hour. Advance registration for the story time is required.

Additional upcoming programs at the Willard House include a Colonial muster, a basket-making workshop, an English tea and an American Girl Doll Halloween party.

The Willard House and Clock Museum is open this summer from Tuesdays through Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $7, seniors and children 13 and up $6, and children 6 to 12 $3. Children under 6 are admitted free. Guided tours of the museum last one hour.

To register for a program or to get further information or directions to the Willard House and Clock Museum, contact 508-839-3500. Information is also available at www.willardhouse.org.