In 1977, a small group of tool collectors formed CRAFTS, meeting informally to talk about tools. In 1980, the club was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the purpose of encouraging interest in early trades and industries and fostering the identification, study, preservation and exhibition of early tools and implements.

 

CRAFTS membership has grown to around 400, including many of the most knowledgeable individuals in the tool fraternity. Our journal, The Tool Shed, has achieved an enviable reputation and largely due to this, the club expanded far beyond its original borders. We include members from more than half of the States as well as from Canada, Great Britain and Europe. We are on Facebook, too.

 

We welcome new members from anywhere in the world who collect, use, display, or sell early tools or implements. In other words if you collect antique tools...you should be a member of CRAFTS.

 

Our annual Spring Tool Auction has become a significant event in the tool marketplace, with sales exceeding $30,000. Tools are consigned by members and buying is open to the public. As almost all of the work of conducting the auction is done by member volunteers, we offer an inexpensive means of selling tools to the collecting community. The next CRAFTS Auction is planned for April 2024.

 

All members receive The Tool Shed published four times a year. New members can access an online archive of the most recent three years' issues.

 

CRAFTS members are invited to meetings in High Bridge, New Jersey held the first Sunday of February, April, June and November. Invited authorities speak on tool-related subjects or demonstrate their tools. Meetings also feature a swap and sell meet in the morning, a "Whatsit" session and lots of tool talk with fellow collectors.

 

The fifth meeting is our Annual Fall Picnic. Every fall members get together for a great family day of tailgate sales, educational tool displays, good food, raffles and a fun "Whatsit?" session. In 2023 our picnic is scheduled for September 10 at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, NJ.

 

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