Edward Duffield: Colonial Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, Gentleman

Join us at Christ Church for a captivating presentation by author Bob Frishman about his new book: Edward Duffield: Colonial Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, Gentleman 1730-1803. This comprehensive biography highlights the life and legacy of Edward Duffield, a prominent figure in colonial Philadelphia who served two terms as a Christ Church warden and was a Church vestryman for seventeen years. Far more than a local clockmaker, Duffield played an active role in community and religious matters during a pivotal time in American history. His lifelong close friend Benjamin Franklin sought refuge at Duffield’s Benfield estate during discussions that led to the Declaration of Independence. Franklin’s daughter, Sally, and her family also found safe haven there during the Revolutionary War.  Notably, Duffield's mother-in-law maintained a fifty-year friendship with Franklin's wife, Deborah. Underscoring their deep bond, Duffield was appointed one of three executors of Franklin's will.

Speaker: Bob Frishman. A Massachusetts-based antique clock restorer and scholar since 1980, he has published more than a hundred articles and reviews; delivered more than one hundred lectures; and organized symposia at the Winterthur Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Henry Ford Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Horological Society of New York (HSNY). He’s been recently elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society. Bob is a Silver Star Fellow of the NAWCC and a Liveryman of London’s Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. As a dedicated supporter of other venerable cultural institutions, he is a Proprietor of the Boston Athenaeum, holder of Share Number 8 of the Library Company of Philadelphia, and an active member of the Grolier Club and of the Ross Society of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Much more about him is at bell-time.com. Bob’s book will be available for purchase and signing after his presentation.

Host or Publisher Christ Church Preservation Trust