Marking the homecoming of the Bishop Family Clock in Nova Scotia.
The Bishop Family Clock, a significant artifact representing early Planter history and clockmaking in Nova Scotia, is set to be installed at the Kings County Museum in Kentville on July 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM. This rare piece, dating back to the late 1700s, was originally crafted by John Bishop, a member of one of the first Planter families to settle in Horton, eastern Kings County.
The clock was given as a wedding gift to John Bishop’s daughter Amelia upon her marriage to Charles Dickson in 1772. After spending more than 120 years away, the Bishop Family Clock is finally returning to its roots. Its return is noteworthy, as such early material artifacts tied to the local history of the New England Planters and early settlers in Nova Scotia are rare.
The Bishop Family clock will be a central piece in a permanent exhibit focusing on the history of the Planters and the Bishop family, emphasising its cultural and historical importance within the region. The exhibit will also include the reinstallation of the clock mechanisms, a talk by horologist Stephen Sieracki on 18th-century clocks, specific details and research on the Bishop Clock, and demonstrations.
The Kings County Museum's mission is to preserve and promote the cultural and natural history of Kings County for present and future generations. Preserving artifacts like the Bishop Clock allows for connections with the lives and legacies of past generations, ensuring future generations can learn from and be inspired by the people, cultures, and innovations that built communities.
For more information about the installation, contact [email protected] or call the Museum at 1-902-678-6237. If you have complex clock-related questions or comments, fellow clock enthusiasts may be consulted to ensure precise and helpful answers.
The return of the Bishop Clock is considered a powerful reminder of the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and stories that shaped communities in Nova Scotia. For those interested in clock-related matters, the Macdonald Museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, houses a small clock museum section with potential treasures for enthusiasts.
Further details about the Bishop Family Clock can be found in an article from The Annapolis Valley Register at https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/annapolis-valley/historic-bishop-clock-returning-home-to-nova-scotia-after-more-than-a-century. Additionally, Tick talk Tuesday is a special time for responding to readers' letters and comments about clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks.
Vintage clocks, such as the Bishop Family Clock, are highly valued by clock enthusiasts who appreciate their historical significance and contribution to a home-and-garden lifestyle. The Kings County Museum's exhibit on the Planters and Bishop family, featuring the Bishop Clock, offers a unique opportunity for clock enthusiasts to learn more about 18th-century clocks and the craftsmanship behind them.
