ExperienceMadison_FallWinter2023_DigitalIssue

50 Things
41
MUSEUM OF
EARLY TRADES
& CRAFTS
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is a nationally recognized history museum in Madison
with a mission to inspire a connection to New Jersey history, culture, trades and crafts. Housed
in an architecturally stunning historic building, the museum’s focus is on education, but it is
also committed to historic preservation.
The museum has a collection of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts representing the history of
New Jersey. The collection, with more than 8,900 objects, includes tools, textiles, pottery and
archival materials representing the people who lived and worked in the state throughout the
centuries. Featured throughout the museum’s galleries, the collection also plays an important
part in special exhibits and educational programs.
The exhibit “Working the Land” tells the stories of those men and women who lived in New
Jersey during the early 1800s, exploring the tools and strategies that helped the people of the
time meet the challenges of working the land. The main gallery features the exhibit “Journey
Stories,” a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It explores
how movement has shaped our nation’s history, from the earliest European settlers and Native
American displacement to the effects transportation advancements have had on modern mobility.
In 2022, after nearly four years of planning, the museum broke ground on construction of its
new Viewable Storage Facility. Part of the museum’s strategic plan is to modernize its facility to
accommodate increased visitors and ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of artifacts
and archival materials. The project will enable visitors to observe the curatorial and collections
staff at work in the collections area.
One of the museum’s favorite events is its annual fundraising gala, the proceeds of which
help provide free educational museum field trips to students throughout New Jersey, as well
as lifelong learning programs for senior adults and specialized tours for organizations that
serve individuals living with disabilities. This year’s speakeasy-themed benefit will take place
on October 5 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. —JM
9 Main Street, 973-377-2982; metc.org
THE BEE PROJECT
ESCAPE
From It All
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! At
Escape Room NJ, gather a dozen
or so friends, have yourselves
“locked” in a series of rooms, and
puzzle your way out while fulfilling
a fantasy mission such as keeping a
deadly virus in check or outwitting
the Mafia. You have an hour to do it.
If you fail, no worries. Escape staff
will retrieve you. —EL
19 Waverly Lane, 973-520-8360;
escaperoomnj.com
See an
Outdoor
CONCERT
The Museum of Early Trades &
Crafts’ free Downtown Concert
Series brings great outdoor music
to Madison’s bustling downtown
throughout the summer. Bring blankets
or chairs and enjoy!
9 Main Street, 973-377-2982;
metc.org
44
HELP Your
Community
Consider volunteering for
the Madison Fire Department,
Madison Volunteer
Ambulance Corps or Madison
Police Department. Joining
is a great way to give back
to your Madison community
and become more involved in it.
rosenet.org/volunteer
45
42
43
Take a
PHOTOGRAPHY
CLASS
Learn the art of photography by taking
a class from the experts at Madison
PhotoPlus, now in its 76th year in business.
Email classes@madisonphotoplus.com.
40 Main Street, 973-966-2900;
madisonphoto.com
46
Go to a
GAME
What is fall without football? Head to
Ted Monica Stadium, named after the
legendary Madison High School coach,
to watch Madison take on area teams.
Go Dodgers!
Photo: JB Yong/Sweet Dreams Studio
18 Experience MADISON 2023