Museum of Early Trades and Crafts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Madison Public Library and the James Building
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 Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St. and Green Village Rd., Madison, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Charles Brigham, Willard P. Adden |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002512 |
| Added to NRHP | February 8, 1980 |
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is a special place in Madison, Morris County, New Jersey. It's a non-profit museum that teaches people about history.
The museum's main goal is to help you feel connected to New Jersey's past. It focuses on the old ways of life, including different jobs and skills people used long ago.
The building where the museum is located is very old and important. It's called the Madison Public Library and the James Building. This historic building is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Museum History
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts opened its doors in 1969. It was set up in what used to be the Madison Public Library. The museum was created to hold a huge collection of tools and items.
This collection has over 8,000 pieces! These items were used in New Jersey before 1860. Agnes and Edgar Land collected all these amazing things. They started collecting in the 1940s on Long Island. They bought old craft items from the 18th and 19th centuries. These items were used on farms that were becoming modern or turning into neighborhoods. The Lands kept collecting after they moved to New Jersey.
The Museum Building
The museum's building is a beautiful example of Romanesque Revival style. It was designed by Boston architect Charles Brigham and his partner, Willard P. Adden. The building was a gift to the town from D. Willis James. It was finished in 1900.
For many years, the building served as the town's library. In the late 1960s, the Lands leased it. This allowed them to create the museum and display their collection.
Building Renovations
In the 1990s, the museum went through a big renovation project. People raised a million dollars to help update the century-old building. This project helped make the museum modern and safe.
As part of the renovation, the museum received a grant. This money helped restore the inside of the building. The goal was to show off the building's most amazing features. These include arched ceilings, colorful stained glass, and fancy stenciling. Beautiful fireplaces, light fixtures, and detailed woodwork were also uncovered. These features had been hidden by changes made over the years.
What You Can See and Do
The museum has many interesting artifacts on display. You can see items like old buckets and powder horns. There are also farm tools like hayforks and cradle scythes.
You might even see ice saws! These were used to cut ice from ponds before refrigerators existed. People used to store ice in special boxes called iceboxes.
Live Demonstrations
One of the most popular things at the museum is watching craftspeople. These skilled workers show how old tools were used. You can see carpenters building things with wood. Coopers might show how they make barrels. Blacksmiths demonstrate how they shape metal with fire and hammers. These demonstrations help history come alive!
