RIHOSO Plan & Mission
Mission Statement
Rhode Island Horological Society (RIHOSO) locally preserves the history, tradition and art of watchmaking and horology through community outreach and continuing education.
About RIHOSO
RIHOSO was established in 2022 as a local outlet for watch collectors, industry experts and horology lovers. As a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, RIHOSO is dedicated to the preservation and continuing education of watchmaking and horology.
Designed to support the watchmaking industry, RIHOSO has four main goals and objectives.
- Community: The local watch community is strong and vibrant in Rhode Island and Southern New England. RIHOSO will bring this active community together through annual events, local partnerships, and online portals with horological news and information.
- Preservation: Collection and preservation of horological artifacts, literature and timepieces are key functions of RIHOSO’s primary mission of establishing a museum or viewing center for exploration of historical documents, watchmaking tradition and other horological artifacts.
- Education: Annual forums and panels with industry experts will discuss current and past horology movements, various brand histories and innovations, cultural impacts and watchmaking vocational opportunities. Scholarship and financial support will be available to new and aspiring watchmakers.
- Mentorships: Ongoing mentorships with watchmakers, retailers and manufacturers with the end goal of a school or curriculum available to those who wish to pursue a career in watchmaking.
Funding
Primary funds for RIHOSO come from members and their annual dues.
Other charitable funding outlets include:
- In Kind Donations
- Annual Member Dinner and Auction
- Event Sponsorship and Attendance
- Merchandise - Clothing and Accessories
- Acquisitions and Trade
Membership
General Membership Includes: $100 Annual
- Exclusive Tote and Hat
- Access to all meetings
- Support to the organization and recognition
Gold Membership Includes: $200 Annual
- Exclusive Tote, Hat and Watch Roll
- Access to all meetings
- Membership to Audrain
- Complimentary subscriptions to Hodinkee and WatchPro Magazine
- Access to special events and VIP centers (Audrain, Symphony, Sporting Events)
- Priority access to RIHOSO annual Watch Fair
- Support to the organization and recognition
Platinum Membership: $500 Annual
- Exclusive Tote, Hat, Watch Roll and Tie
- Access to all meetings
- Membership to Audrain
- Complimentary subscriptions to Hodinkee, Watch Time, Revolution and WatchPro Magazine
- Access to special events and VIP centers (Audrain, Symphony, Sporting Events)
- Priority access to RIHOSO annual Watch Fair
- Annual Private Dinner with surprise watch vendor and speaker
- Support to the organization and recognition
RIHOSO Vision
Protecting the future of watchmaking and providing opportunities for those who wish to enter the watchmaking industry are the cornerstones of RIHOSO. Along with annual member events, panels and forums, RIHOSO encourages young watch enthusiasts to enter the world of watchmaking through scholarship and mentor programs.As a local horological hub in Rhode Island, RIHOSO brings together watch lovers, retailers, manufacturers and anyone interested in learning more about watches. We look forward to meeting YOU!
Celebrating the Past to Protect the Future
RIHOSO celebrates the past through private vintage watch shows and exclusive horological educational programs. These programs highlight the rich history of Horology while providing watch lovers an outlet to share their experience, expertise and enthusiasm. Our primary goal is to preserve the artistry, skill and craftsmanship watchmaking for future generations.