The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors expanded its School of Horology, 514 Poplar St., after receiving a $200,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. With the grant, more classrooms, a laboratory, workshop, a handicap-accessible elevator and numerous other repairs to the first floor have allowed the School of Horology to be more accessible to its current and future students.
Despite obtaining an occupancy permit just three weeks ago, the School of Horology has not wasted any time using its new facilities.
"We've been holding classes in the expanded areas for nearly a week now and the added space has been fantastic," said James Bland, director of marketing for the National Watch and Clock Museum. "Our classes are usually full to capacity, so much that we've had to turn people away in the past. This allows us to accommodate not only more students, but expand our curriculum as well. Each classroom can easily be modified to meet the needs of different classes."
Bland also said the additions would allow for evening classes for hobbyists.
The additions and renovations, although they ultimately benefit the students, allow instructors to diversify their classes.
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