Building a More Perfect Union
Dublin Core
Title
Building a More Perfect Union
Description
The "Building a More Perfect Union" collection is a compilation of writings from students, teachers, and community members inspired by the history and stories behind the objects of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. The collection was funded by the National Writing Project's "Building a More Perfect Union" program and is a unique blend of voices from all corners of the Madison, NJ, community. Through these essays, poems, and stories, readers get a glimpse into the history of the museum and the area, as well as the important role the musuem plays in the Northern New Jersey community. The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts Collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving the past.
Publisher
NWP of Drew University
Collection Items
Let Them Think
A reflection on the quote "The books that help you the most are the books that make you think the most," which is etched into one of the windows of the museum.Click the link below to view the entire piece.
Progress?
The LS branding iron evoked questions about slavery in NJ. After researching, I discovered that NJ wasn’t always as progressive as it might be viewed now. This poem captures some of the research that resulted in my questioning the artifact I found in…
Domino
A personal narrative inspired by the dominoes on display at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
Humanity Transcended
A reflection on a victorian lace collar on display at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
"What went on here? What's the story here? What did this place used to be...?"
!["What went on here? What's the story here? What did this place used to be...?"](https://whyiwrite.drewteach.org/files/square_thumbnails/3437ac3426437547215b433042b1670e.jpg ""What went on here? What's the story here? What did this place used to be...?"")
A reflection based on exploration of the James Library at the Museum of Early Trades and Craft.
The List
A poem inspired by a register of enslaved people at a New Jersey farm on display at the METC.
"I am cooking chicken"
!["I am cooking chicken"](https://whyiwrite.drewteach.org/files/square_thumbnails/3298c8fae4761b11e16a8c1eb90d7479.jpg ""I am cooking chicken"")
Writing and drawing by Abigail inspired by a pan seen at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
"I never saw it before"
!["I never saw it before"](https://whyiwrite.drewteach.org/files/square_thumbnails/e297e5378fd7e53ec3081b179cbc5d9a.jpg ""I never saw it before"")
Illustration and writing by Agastya inspired by a gun seen on display at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts