Goshen. Goshen Public Library & Historical Society lends historical treasure
Goshen /
| 02 May 2023 | 01:50
Among the items in the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society’s collection is a surveyor’s minute compass made by accomplished Elizabeth, N.J., clockmaker Aaron Miller in the mid-1700’s. This important historical compass is purported to have been used by local surveyor Thomas Moffat during the American Revolution and is an exceptionally rare example of 18th century technology and innovation.
Goshen Public Library & Historical Society has made a unique loan to an exhibit at the Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton, N.J. Photos provided by the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society.
The Local History Room of the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society holds many unique historical documents, gems, and artifacts, including a surveyor’s minute compass made by accomplished Elizabeth, N.J., clockmaker Aaron Miller in the mid-1700’s.
The ‘minute compass’
Miller is credited with inventing the “minute compass,” a high precision compass that determined the bearing of an angle to a single minute greatly enhancing the accuracy of compasses.
This important historical compass is purported to have been used by local surveyor Thomas Moffat during the American Revolution and is an exceptionally rare example of 18th century technology and innovation.
The Aaron Miller minute compass will be on display as part of a unique exhibit entitled “Striking Beauty: New Jersey Tall Case Clocks, 1730-1830” at the Morven Museum and Garden in Princeton, N.J., now through Feb. 18, 2024. The exhibit features more than 50 tall case clocks from both private and public collections.
Directions to the Morven Museum and Garden and other information about both in-person and virtual visits of the exhibit is available on the museum website at: https://www.morven.org/about.
Essentials
Founded in 1894, the Local History Room works to preserve the history of Goshen and Orange County. Its historical collection of more than 40,000 items includes among other things, manuscripts, letters, diaries, memoranda, surveys, deeds, military, obituary and marriage records, and legal and business documents.
In addition, the artifact collection includes rare maps, photographs, and other physical items.
The Local History Room is open Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment for researchers and visitors. Contact the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society for more information at 845 294-6606 or email localhistory@goshenpubliclibrary.org.