American Clock & Watch Museum — Attraction in Bristol

Friendly staff, interesting collection, good for disabled people

My boyfriend and I passed this place while driving through town yesterday and both thought it looked neat, so we decided to stop by today and had a very nice time! Debbie, the receptionist/docent, was very friendly and knowledgeable. My boyfriend and I were looking at some paintings and realized that he lives right across the street from one of the old big clock factories, and Debbie helped us find some more interesting information about the building and its owner. This museum has a very wide variety of clocks spanning hundreds of years, and good information alongside each one.

I’m disabled and I had my cane with me, but I got tired fairly quickly without my walker or wheelchair to sit on. There is a wooden bench in Ingraham Hall that was good for a rest, though. I used the accessible bathroom shortly after arriving and noticed a (old but sturdy and perfectly functional) loaner wheelchair there. I didn’t expect a small museum to have one, but it was really helpful and enabled me to stay and enjoy the experience for much longer than I could have otherwise! The lower floor is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, but most of the museum is upstairs. It would be nice if they added a video tour of the downstairs (viewable on the main...

We visited on a Sunday afternoon and there was a steady stream of visitors, yet the museum was easy to get around and not crowded. They have a scavenger hunt for kids. You can punch in with a time clock from the early 20th century. The woman at the desk takes time to show each group around the museum and answer questions before sending you off to explore. The collection of clocks and watches is quite extensive with lots of history to learn. There are self guided tour booklets with additional information to supplement the wall signs. In addition to the clocks and watches, the house itself is historic. They have everything from tower clocks to mantle clocks, wood clocks, wind up toys, pocket watches, wrist watches, rare and unique pieces. Many of the items were made in CT or New England. They also have a clock makers workshop, a clock and watch store, and a clock peddler’s cart. There’s a gift shop with many unusual items. This museum is definitely worth a visit, especially if you...

I have been researching clock and watch making for a book I'm writing on Naugatuck Valley industrial history. The essential innovation not only in clock making but in manufacturing procedures occurred in Eli Terry's workshops not far from where the museum is today. The museum has an astounding collection of clocks and watches of all kinds. They are excellently displayed and someone interested in the subject could easily spend several hours (or days) exploring and reading. While we were visiting, the clockmaker who maintains the collection came through and was so happy asnwering all of our many questions and showing us things that he was late for an appointment. The gift shop is exptensive and has specialized publication, facsimile catalogues, and plans for building your own version of various wooden clocks.

If you're interested in time, this...