Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Names Madison's
Mark De Biasse
2011 Craftsman of the Year
On Thursday, June 2nd at 6 PM at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, the Board of Trustees will honor Madison High School Social Studies Department Chair, Mark De Biasse as the 2011 Craftsman of the Year. See ticket information below.
ABOUT MARK DE BIASSESince 2004, Mark De Biasse has been enhancing the education of his history students at Madison High School by promoting a community-based approach to the study of state and local history. Always using an innovative teaching style, Mark has created projects and programs that have given his students a hands-on experience with local Madison history. He has intertwined a number of the Museum’s exhibits with the Social Studies curriculum at the High School.
In 2005, in preparation for the exhibit, Wintering Over, students wrote en persona journals based on objects in the exhibit, developed a presentation about their findings, and served as docents for Wintering Over. In addition, participants created a children’s activity booklet about the exhibit.
When the Museum’s exhibit Designing Tools was on display in 2006, Mark developed an independent research project in which students researched the original patents for many of the artifacts on exhibit, and then at the opening reception, acted as exhibit interpreters discussing the design and use of the different artifacts found in the exhibit.
The Luke Miller Project (2007), supported by a grant from the History Channel, involved collaboration with the Museum and Madison Historical Society. Students engaged in a study of Major Luke Miller, a Revolutionary soldier, farmer, and blacksmith, and the Luke Miller homestead property, on which a forge believed to have been used during the Revolutionary War still stands. Students conducted research at the Morris County Library, the Museum, and the Historical Society. Their discoveries were used to produce the DVD, Luke Miller: Forging History, a 45-minute documentary on early history of Madison and one of its most famous residents. Their research laid the groundwork for another grant awarded to the Madison Historical Society to fund an archaeological dig of the site.
In 2009, Mark’s students learned about Early American food preparation and cooking, in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibit, Food for Thought. The students documented their research results and prepared dishes for their classmates and Museum visitors to taste.
Most recently, Mark’s students played detectives as they worked to discover the original ownership of a “mystery” trunk found in the Museum’s collection. Based on research of early governors of New Jersey, students presented arguments defending their choice of the trunk’s owner, and wrote persuasive essays which are currently part of the Museum’s Mariners, Merchants & Pirates exhibit.
Mark’s class projects continually put students in control of their own learning, giving them a much more fulfilling educational experience. Mark’s tireless efforts in working with his students in the education, and his discovery and preservation of Madison’s town history has made him an excellent honoree for the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts’ 2011 Craftsman of the Year award.
ABOUT THE CRAFTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Craftsman of the Year award was established in 2002 as a means to honor New Jerseyans who have, in their own unique ways, significantly advanced the Museum’s mission.
Last year, the Museum recognized local musician Jerry Vezza. Past honorees include historian and author John Cunningham; Richard Bagger, then a state senator and long-time Museum supporter; past METC trustee and Collections Manager, Malcolm Dick; former Madison High School Music Director, John Bunnell; restorationist Carmine Toto, tool expert Herbert Kean; founder of The Astragal Press, Martyl Pollak and Gary Fisch owner of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace.
Event proceeds benefit the Museum’s Education Programs which serve more than 7,000 participants a year. Single Tickets are $35. Please RSVP by May 27th. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum, over the phone at 973-377-2982 x14 or online at www.metc.org.
