Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Sharing the past, imagining the future.
View their website here!
In 1970, Agnes and Edgar Law Land founded the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC). They did this with the donation of their extensive personal collection of 18th and 19th century artifacts representing the lives of the early immigrants to New Jersey. Others have supplemented this core collection over the years, and now consists of over 7,000 objects:
- tools
- textiles
- pottery
- archival materials that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here nearly 200 years ago
The Lands raised a large family in Madison, NJ after moving to the area from Long Island. They both had a keen interest for history and education, which eventually led to the founding of METC. The Lands primarily collected hand tools and objects that were made with these tools, reflecting the working lives of the people of New Jersey. It was important to both Edgar and Agnes Land that these artifacts have tangible connections to the past, preserving a piece of living history—objects that were used by real people who had productive lives and worked and raised their own families here in NJ.
Although much has changed at METC since the mid 20th century, the collection that the Lands started continues to tell the stories of the immigrants and innovators who travelled here from other parts of the world to work the land, raise their families and create communities. Today, professional collections management staff cares for the collection, providing opportunities for research and educational programming.
Mission
To inspire a connection to NJ history, culture, trades, and crafts.
Vision
Sharing the past, imagining the future.
