Programs

Join us for a special lecture with Russ Oechsle, collector, author, and researcher specializing in upstate New York clocks.

Following the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, upstate New York became a hub of competition between established out-of-state clock manufacturers and newly arrived craftsmen from the East. These skilled emigrants sought to build a market for locally made clocks among those prospering from the canal-driven economic boom.

Between 1825 and 1845, this rivalry gave rise to dozens of upstate clockmaking firms—some successful, others short-lived. Russ Oechsle will explore the opportunities and challenges these makers faced, illustrating how innovation and risk shaped their industry.

The lecture will highlight remarkable examples from the Museum’s Oechsle Clock Collection, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship and creativity of these early clockmakers.