FREE Maker Day Open House

On May 9, 2026, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Morris Plains, New Jersey opens its gates for Maker Day, a four-hour open house that turns a historic Arts & Crafts property into a hands-on workshop and outdoor gallery. Set across a 30-acre landscape, the event centers on the Log House and North Cottage—two historic structures that anchor the site—and the Craftsman Shop, a storefront offering contemporary Arts & Crafts items, seasonal gifts, and The Craftsman Tile by Pewabic Pottery in three colors. Plein Air painters from the NJ Urban Sketchers will paint across the grounds while basket-weaving demonstrations and artisan booths offer a glimpse into traditional making.

The scene feels both domestic and expansive: broad lawns that slope toward groves where painters set up easels; the compact, timbered silhouette of the Log House whose first floor is accessible for visitors while the upper level remains true to its historic design; and the Craftsman Shop, which brings locally made textiles, jewelry, handbags, and home decor into a contemporary retail setting. Look for the North Cottage interior, where the museum's rare green ash furniture is on view—a specific touch that ties object and site together. The day is free and family-friendly, timed just ahead of Mother's Day, making it a practical stop for gift hunting and seasonal inspiration.

Practical notes make the visit smoother. The event runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and will proceed rain or shine unless canceled for extreme conditions; the museum will notify guests by email in that case. The Craftsman Shop and accessible restrooms are ADA accessible; the Log House's second floor is not fully accessible.

Bring comfortable shoes for walking the grounds, a sun hat, and a tote for purchases. Photography is welcome - capture painters at work, close-ups of Pewabic tiling, and the timbered details of the Log House - but be mindful of vendors and demonstrators at work. Why this feels special: Maker Day threads together living craft and built history on a campus designed for making.

The combination of live demonstrations, plein air practice, and curated museum interiors offers a rare chance to see how historic design principles inform contemporary craft. Local artisans bring tactile work to the fore—textiles, baskets, metal, and ceramics—so the day functions as both market and mini-residency where the creative process is visible. Whether you're after a thoughtful Mother's Day gift, a quiet afternoon of sketching, or a hands-on introduction to traditional techniques, Maker Day at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms offers a readable, walkable slice of local craft culture in Morris Plains.

Plan to arrive early, allow time for browsing the Craftsman Shop, and ask exhibitors about materials and techniques—they often love to talk about process and provenance.