It's Time to Visit the Clock Museum: VIDEO

Time.

We chase it, waste it, keep it and sometimes try in vain to master it.

But not all that long ago, time was an indefinite concept.

And that fascinates Patrick Keenan, the new director of

“We tend to take time for granted,’’ he said.

Today people can learn the time throughout the world with a glance at their iPhone. But in early America, a clock was wound once a day.

If someone forgot, they would have to wait for another sign _ the ringing of the church bell, for example _ to set their clocks, Keenan said.

Surrounded by more than 80 early American clocks gives visitors to the museum a chance to “see what an achievement it was to keep time and to think of that way to divide’’ the day into 24 hours, he said.

The museum hosts a world-class collection of Willard clocks, housed in the very home where the Willard family lived for generations.

Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron, learned the trade and began a three-generation clockmaking legacy in the Grafton workshop.

Today, over 80 Willard clocks are exhibited in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other Willard family heirlooms.

Keenan became the museum director in August after working for years at the museum in a variety of capacities, including museum assistant and development coordinator.

He earned his master’s degree in arts administration from Boston University in May.

He is working on ways to spread the word about the museum and to encourage the public to visit.

One draw, he said, is its authenticity. Unlike Sturbridge Village, for example, the museum is housed in the actual building where the Willards worked.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visitors are given guided tours which he said lends a personal touch.

He hopes to add to the events offered at the museum, which include lectures, holiday open house and a teddy bear tea for youngsters.

And in a tough economy, he hopes that residents of Grafton and just beyond will add the museum to their weekend plans.He wrestles with the question: “How do we get people to decide that this is the day to visit the Willard House?’’

The answer, he hopes, will come with time.