Finding Out About Our Past by Taking a Closer Look at Our Clocks
by Peter Mheta

From the quiet ticking of a grandfather clock to the precision instruments that once ruled the oceans, clocks are far more than timekeepers. They are witnesses to ambition, scientific genius, royal power and, for most of us, everyday life. By looking closely at our clocks, we uncover extraordinary stories about who we were, how we lived, and how we learned to measure and master time itself.

How Clocks Changed Society

They regulate work, travel, and trade,
They shape towns, homes, and daily routines,
They enable safe travel and global exploration,
They connect science, astronomy, and industry,

Objects That Speak

Scars, repairs, engravings, and mechanisms reveal lives long gone:
Quietly ticking, patiently waiting to tell their tales these wonderful objects carry history within them, if we only know how to look.

If you’re interested in science, craftsmanship, or human stories, this engaging talk explores how clocks open a unique window onto our past.