The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) aims to advance horological education for all - including children of all ages.
Beginning Sunday, November 4, 2018, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) debuted “It’s About Time”, a timely new installation that explores the art and science of horology. The installation, created in partnership with America’s first watchmaking guild and American watch brand Bulova, is a curated interactive exhibit on time that aims to unravel the mysteries of horology.
“Time is an abstract concept, especially for young audiences who have a limited awareness of past, present and future,” said Andrew Ackerman, Laurie M. Tisch Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Manhattan. “This installation helps introduce the basic idea of time and the ways we measure it.”
“In our digital age, many children have trouble reading traditional clock faces,” added Ackerman. “In “It’s About Time” children will be able to manipulate the hands of a clock face and gears, while learning about seconds, minutes and hours.”
“It is a pleasure to partner with the Children’s Museum in introducing the art and science of horology to their visitors,” said Edwin Hydeman, Executive Director, Horological Society of New York. “For 152 years, the Horological Society of New York has helped pave the way for watchmakers and enthusiast. This display hopes to explain the mysteries of horology and makes them accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and allows us to keep our century-old traditions alive.”
“We are excited to work with the Children’s Museum on the “It’s About Time” installation,” said Michele Lupton, Vice President of Marketing, Bulova. “Since 1875, Bulova has been sharing our innovations in timekeeping with the world. It is a pleasure to work with the museum to help children explore and understand time and the way clocks and watches work.”
The installation features the following components:
Time in a Day — An interactive magnetic sign that helps children understand the number of hours in a day, as well as the cycle of daytime and nighttime. Using magnets or their fingers, families can mark significant activities with their associated times throughout the day
Counting Time — Children can practice telling time by manipulating three clocks with moving hands
It’s Your Time — This large graphic allows children to “be” the clock, inserting their face in a cut-out and using their arms as the “hands” of this oversized clock
Watches & Clocks — Check out a watch disassembled into pieces to reveal its inner workings, along with its design drawings
Moveable Gears — Children can turn a dial and experiment with how gears work together and move at different speeds
Horology Tools — A display showcasing a collection of tools that are specific to a horologist
Horology Videos — Watch a renowned horologist at work and the inner workings of watches
“It’s About Time” is displayed on the Museum’s fourth floor stairway landing through summer 2019. For more information, please visit www.cmom.org.
Photo credit: Emily Munro for the Children’s Museum of Manhattan