The National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC) has been awarded a $250,000 Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) grant to replace its failing HVAC system.

The National Watch & Clock Museum's old HVAC system has reached the end of its useful life and frequently malfunctions, sometimes causing temperatures to soar and threatening the integrity of the museum's collection of 13,000 watches and clocks. The project will replace critical HVAC components, including an air-cooled chiller, heat exchanger, and chilled water pumps. This will prevent rot and rust caused by uncontrolled humidity and temperature fluctuations, preserving the integrity of the NAWCC's collection.

The project is the second and last phase of the HVAC system replacement project. Completion of the project will safeguard millions of dollars in artifacts, enhance visitor experiences, support Lancaster County's tourism economy, and ensure a comfortable working environment for the museum's staff members and volunteers.

The Statewide LSA program, funded through the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects of public interest across Pennsylvania. The program is highly competitive, with thousands of applications submitted each year.

The National Watch & Clock Museum regularly hosts free public events and serves as a private event venue for other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, community groups, and individuals. Approximately 7,000 people from around the world visit the museum annually. It is also the headquarters of its approximately 9,000-member association and the home of a research center and library, workshop, and school.

The museum is located at 514 Poplar St., Columbia, and is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.museum.nawcc.org or call 717-684-8261.