The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) in Madison has opened its new exhibit, “Garden State: Living Off the Land in Early New Jersey,” which explores the history and technology of 18th and 19th century New Jersey farmers and their families. Early New Jersey families relied on grains, bees, livestock, fruits, and vegetables to put food on their tables and as a source of income. This exhibit taps into METC’s premier collection of early agricultural tools showing the diversity of farming technology and practices through the centuries. The exhibit also features a new generation of Garden State farmers and explores how farming has changed today.

“In many ways, these families were the original ‘Farm to Table’ movement,” explains Kristin Lapos, METC’s curator of collections. “In early New Jersey, farming was not a specialized field like it is today; almost everyone farmed.  It was how people survived. With their farms and farming technology they supported both their family and the surrounding community.”

The exhibit will run until Sept. 2017 and will feature programs and lectures exploring the diversity of farming and gardening.  “From  ‘Fleece to Shawl’ and Beekeeping demonstrations to informative lectures on gardening , METC will explore both the history and the current future of farming in New Jersey ” said Deborah Farrar Starker, executive director of METC.

Regular METC admission is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors, students and children six and older; and free for members and children under six. Family maximum admission is $15.  METC is open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays.