Last updated: 5/28/2011
9 Main StreetMadison, NJ 07940
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday.
Regular Museum admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, students & children 6 and older, and free for members and children under 6. Family maximum admission $13.00.
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Vivian C. R. James
phone: 973-377-2982 x11
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Peter Rothenberg
phone: 973-377-2982 x13
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April Lyzak
phone: 973-377-2982 x14
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Meg Wastie
phone: 973-377-2982 x12
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Housed in a 1900 Richardsonian-Romanesque Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic places, the Museum explores 18th- and 19th-century American history, with a focus on New Jersey. Drawing on its collection of over 8,000 hand tools and their products, METC uses material culture to interpret the lives and technologies of people who lived and worked before the rise of large-scale industrialization in this country. The Museum offers visitors of all ages a broad range of changing exhibits, and related programs that address many facets of early American history, craftsmanship, and the diversity of trades performed by men and women.
The mission of the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is to enhance the understanding and appreciation of America’s past by presenting and interpreting the history, culture and lives of ordinary people through educational programs, through preservation and stewardship of our collection, and through exhibition and demonstration of the trades and crafts practiced in New Jersey from its earliest settlement.
Since that time, the collection has grown to over 8,000 artifacts representing more than twenty-one different trades. The Museum’s mission continues to fulfill the vision of the Lands. Over 8,000 visitors a year enjoy the programs and exhibits of the Museum, and marvel at the magnificent building that houses it.
The James Library is an appropriate place to house the collection of the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. In the same way that the library’s architects looked to the past for architectural style, the Museum celebrates the trades and handicrafts of 18th and 19th century New Jersey.
Edgar and Agnes Land were residents of Madison who shared a passion for collecting 18th and 19th century objects that were made and used by ordinary
people in New Jersey. Their collection had grown to almost four thousand items when they approached the Borough of Madison and requested the use of the
vacated library building as a museum.
Their objective was to interpret and preserve the history of the farmers, artisans and crafts people who settled in New Jersey. It was also to educate about the lives of ordinary people, an aspect of history that they felt was not being adequately
addressed by other museums. On February 18, 1969, the Articles of Incorporation were filed and the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts was created.
The Museum has over 8,000 artifacts from Early American daily life with a focus on New Jersey. The collection includes a wide variety of tools and the crafts made with these tools that were typical for the time period.
The Museum houses a reference library that is available to the public for research.
Education Programs for Children and/or Adult Groups: The Museum is a history museum that tells the story of how people lived and worked in the 18th & 19th centuries. Through interactive programs, participants take part in a lesson and make a craft to take home with them. Education programs are targeted to appropriate age levels and meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Topics include Early American history, craftsmanship, and the diversity of trades, chores and games of the time. Education programs can be at the Museum or at your facility. Fee: At the Museum - $8/student with a minimum of 12. Outreach Programs- $220 for the first presentation and $180 for additional (plus travel).
Professional Development Workshops are also available.
Public Programs:
The Museum constant hosts a variety of programs for people of all ages. Programs include lectures, workshops, tours and special events. Admission varies.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
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