Time is on Rory McEvoy's mind. As the new executive director of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Inc. (NAWCC), McEvoy will oversee the operations of the Columbia headquarters and continue to connect with watch and clock enthusiasts around the world.
McEvoy brings a wealth of experience in horology, the study of timekeeping, clocks and watches. Prior to joining NAWCC, he lived in England, where he taught horological theory and history and the practical repair and making of clocks and watches at the Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery. Previously, he served as curator of horology at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. He has also operated his own antique clock business and overseen clock sales for Bonhams auctioneers.
McEvoy said several things attracted him to the position and prompted him to move to Lancaster County. "We have an absolutely fabulous collection here at the museum," he said, noting that he had visited the headquarters, located at 514 Poplar St., three years ago. He said his goals for the job include promoting all the NAWCC offers, including the museum that houses North America's largest collection of timepieces from all over the world, the library and the research center. He is especially proud of the school that is located on-site, offering introductory hands-on courses in clocks, watches and machining.
"I think this place has been one of Columbia's, if not Pennsylvania's, best-kept secrets," he stated. "One of my priorities here is to raise awareness of what we do and get the community involved."
He said he's still planning specifics for connecting with the community, but he hopes to continue popular events such as Hops 'n' Clocks, a collaboration with local microbreweries.
"For me, the most rewarding part of my work is community - meeting people along the way and sharing passions for collecting and knowledge," McEvoy noted. "Ours is a big subject that intersects with every aspect of life, and we as individuals cannot hope to know it all. This is why I strongly believe it is critically important to promote and deliver the NAWCC's core values and strengthen its foundations for the future study of clocks and watches."
As McEvoy and his wife, Kaai, settle into their new home, he admits there have been some moments of culture shock. "I've been a bit confused about the weather I've experienced so far," he said with a laugh. "I've seen winter, summer and spring all rolled into one." He's also learning that being from England means needing to modify his vocabulary for American colleagues, noting, "There's the joke that we both speak the same language, but neither of us understands each other."
Still, he's excited about his new role and he's enjoying living in Lancaster County. "I really love the community here and the people," he stated. "Columbia has a lot to offer."
For more information on the NAWCC, visit http://www.nawcc.org.
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