Announcing the 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship for Horology



$10,000 to support the next generation of 
professional clockmakers

A nationwide scholarship program building a

community of future clockmakers

The Willard House & Clock Museum, in partnership with the family of former museum conservator David G. Gow, is pleased to announce the 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship for Horology.

Created to honor David Gow’s commitment to the craft, the scholarship supports students pursuing professional careers in clockmaking and helps make advanced training more accessible.

Building the Future of Clockmaking

A professional career in conservator-level clockmaking can be difficult to navigate. As Robert C. Cheney, Executive Director of the Willard House & Clock Museum, explains:

“The professional career path of conservator-level clockmaking is not well defined. Unlike a century ago, formal apprenticeship programs are scarce and funding for specialized training can be difficult to obtain.”

Following David Gow’s wishes, his family, working with the museum’s trustees and staff, established this scholarship to help promising students obtain the specialized education and training they need to advance in the profession.

Just as importantly, the scholarship is helping create a Gow Scholarship Community—a growing network of students, professional clockmakers, conservators, educators and supporters dedicated to preserving and advancing the craft.

The Scholarship

$10,000 scholarship award

The 2026 award may be used toward advanced courses and professional training at clockmaking and horology schools and programs across the United States.

$500 travel stipend

An additional $500 stipend will help the scholarship recipient travel to the Willard House & Clock Museum in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

Who is eligible?



The scholarship is open to U.S.-based students who have begun their journey toward a professional career in clockmaking.

Help Build the Next Generation

Professional clockmakers and conservators play an essential role in preserving some of America's most important mechanical and cultural history. The David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship helps ensure that the specialized knowledge and skills required for this work continue into the next generation.

Applications are now being accepted.

Application deadline: November 4, 2026

Award announced: December 15, 2026