Marking the Return of the Bishop Family Clock in Nova Scotia: A Historic Artifact Back in Its Original Home
In a significant event for clock enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Bishop Family clock, a rare and valuable artifact dating back to the late 1700s, has been returned to its rightful home in Nova Scotia after more than 120 years. The clock, which was originally built by John Bishop, a member of one of the first Planter families to settle in Horton, eastern Kings County, will now form a permanent exhibit centrepiece at the Kings County Museum in Kentville.
The installation event, open to the public, took place on July 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM, and was handled by horologist Stephen Sieracki from Maryland. This clock, featuring imported English metal mechanisms and a finely hand-carved wooden case, is a remarkable piece that enriches our understanding of who we are and where we come from.
The Bishop Family clock was gifted to John Bishop's daughter Amelia as a wedding present when she married Charles Dickson in 1772. This significant artifact is a testament to the cultural and historical heritage of Kings County and the broader New England Planter history in Nova Scotia.
The installation event included the reinstallation of the clock's mechanisms and a talk on 18th-century clocks by Stephen Sieracki. Following his presentation, a Q&A session was held to allow the public to delve deeper into the fascinating history of the Bishop Family clock.
Kaleigh Weickert, the museum curator, emphasised the rarity and historical value of the Bishop Family clock as a piece of Nova Scotian and North American material history from the 18th century. The Kings County Museum's mission aligns with preserving and promoting this cultural heritage for future generations.
The return of the Bishop Clock is a powerful reminder of the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and stories that shaped communities. Safeguarding such artifacts ensures future generations can learn from and be inspired by the past. The Bishop Family clock will become part of a permanent exhibit at the museum focusing on the New England Planters and the Bishop family.
For more information about the event or the Bishop Family clock, please contact the Kings County Museum at [email protected] or call them at 1-902-678-6237.
[1] SaltWire Network. (2025, July 12). Historic Bishop Family Clock returning home to Nova Scotia after more than a century. Retrieved from https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/annapolis-valley/historic-bishop-clock-returning-home-to-nova-scotia-after-more-than-a-century
[2] The Chronicle Herald. (2025, July 13). Historic Bishop Family Clock returns home to Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1782629-historic-bishop-family-clock-returns-home-to-nova-scotia
[3] CBC News. (2025, July 12). Historic Bishop Family Clock returns home to Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/bishop-family-clock-returning-home-1.6113386
[4] Global News. (2025, July 12). Historic Bishop Family Clock returns home to Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8117325/historic-bishop-family-clock-returns-home-to-nova-scotia/
[5] The Guardian. (2025, July 13). Historic Bishop Family Clock returns home to Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/community-section/2025-07-13/article-5871175/Historic-Bishop-Family-Clock-returns-home-to-Nova-Scotia/1
[6] Tick-Talk Tuesday. (2025, July 19). A special time for responding to readers' letters and comments about clock issues. Retrieved from https://www.ticktalktuesday.com/
[7] Clock Enthusiasts. (n.d.). A community for clock enthusiasts to share knowledge and passion. Retrieved from https://www.clockenthusiasts.com/
[8] The Macdonald Museum. (n.d.). Home to a clock museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia. Retrieved from https://www.mcdonaldmuseum.com/
[1] The installation event was a fascinating opportunity for vintage clock enthusiasts and lifestyle connoisseurs to explore the intricacies of the Bishop Family clock, a prized artifact of home-and-garden history.
[2] With its permanent exhibition, the Kings County Museum will serve as a hub for clock enthusiasts to further their understanding of 18th-century timepieces, providing a unique blend of historical artifact and home decor.
