Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host a public celebration to announce the successful restoration of the 134-year-old clock that graces the historic Chowan County Courthouse. Historic Edenton is administered by North Carolina Historic Sites, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The event will take place at the historic courthouse (117 E. King St.) on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 4:45 p.m. Pamela Wagner, chairwoman of the Friends of State Historic Sites Edenton, will open the event by sharing a brief history of the clock. At exactly 5 p.m., the clock will officially begin keeping time again, signaled by chiming bells. Local officials will conclude the celebration with an overview of ongoing improvements and restoration efforts in downtown Edenton.
The town dedicated the first clock on the courthouse cupola 200 years ago, in September 1825. A second clock, the one in use today, followed in 1891. The clock last worked in 2021 and in early 2025, the Friends decided to restore the iconic timepiece.
The Friends hired Joe D’Apuzzo, a retired local mechanical systems expert, to repair the clock. D’Apuzzo spent weeks making numerous trips to the top of the hot and dusty courthouse bell tower to investigate and analyze the workings of the 1891 Seth Thomas clock. He carefully cleaned, lubricated, and replaced several parts to get the clock running again, making careful adjustments to ensure the piece keeps perfect time. Finally, after calibrating the time and chime mechanisms, the clock is ready to keep Edentonians on schedule again.
About Historic Edenton
Historic Edenton State Historic Site offers a glimpse into life in one of North Carolina’s earliest colonial capitals. Located along the picturesque Edenton Bay, the site interprets the area’s rich maritime and political history through guided tours, special programs, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore several preserved and restored structures, including the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the James Iredell House, and the Roanoke River Lighthouse, set amidst the charm of Edenton’s renowned historic district.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.