About half a century ago, Edgar and Agnes Land, of Madison, NJ, noticed that a plethora of museums celebrating the works of the upper class existed, but institutions dedicated to those of “ordinary” people were lacking. They donated their own collection of 18th and 19th century objects made and used by working men and women of New Jersey to the Borough, and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts was born.
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
METC’s collection has grown to over 8,000 artifacts. It now represents more than 21 trades—and kid-friendly exhibits allow your little ones to explore just about all of them. Learn about what your lives could have been like by visiting the display on everyday early American families, and get a taste of life as a 19th century tradesman as you examine tools used by shoemakers, barrel makers, distillers, and other practitioners of physical trades. There’s a blacksmithing exhibit that includes an interactive audio component, and a playroom containing old-time games and clothes that kids can try. There’s even displays of original artifacts and, underneath, a chest of drawers full of replicas that kids can touch.
There’s a newly opened special exhibit, “The American Revolution in New Jersey: Where the Battlefront Meets the Home Front.” While we are accustomed to learning about war from a military standpoint, this display tells the story of New Jersey’s farmers, women, and tradesmen whose daily lives changed because of the battle.
Special Events
METC hosts two monthly events for families with children. Family Fun Day features crafts, storytelling, and demonstrations. This month’s event will take place on March 8, 1–3 pm.
Time 4 Tykes is the museum’s program for its youngest visitors (ages 2–6). On this month’s lineup: a stuffed animal sleepover!
Arrive on the 31st at 4 pm (with a stuffed toy) for story time and a snack, and to tuck the toys in for a night at the museum. Kids return the next day to make a craft and pick up their animals. Also, learn about the history of the Emerald Isle and partake in Irish-themed crafts and refreshments for kids ages 5–10: Lucky Leprechaun Day, Sunday, March 16, 4–5 pm. (Preregistration recommended for all events.)
And, finally: Can there be a more perfect end to a family day trip than ice cream? Across from METC is McCool’s, a parlor with an old-time feel, coffee bar, milkshakes, and fun flavors.
Renée Sagiv Riebling, a mom of two from Metuchen, is always on the lookout for family adventures.
