For 20 years, the New Brunswick Mat Registry has been working to preserve the province’s unique tradition of mat hooking.
Volunteers have documented more than 600 mats, capturing their stories and ensuring this maritime craft is not forgotten.
Hooked mats, historically a staple in New Brunswick homes, began as a practical solution to harsh conditions.
Co-chair of the registry, Judy Morison, explains that early mats were crafted using leftover materials, including burlap potato sacks.
“They cut them up and made hooked mats for not just decoration but more utilitarian uses because they were trying to keep things clean and warm,” Morison said.
The mats were an essential part of daily life in the Maritimes, with some rolled up and placed on windowsills to block drafts in winter.
As materials became more accessible, the practice evolved.
Today, hooked mats are celebrated as a form of artistic expression, with many displayed as decorative works of art rather than used on floors.
Uncovering stories behind the mats
A vital part of the registry’s work is preserving the personal stories behind each mat. Morison shared that some mats still bear traces of their origins.
“When we’ve been looking at very old mats, we’ve seen the writing that was on the potato sack underneath the design of the mat,” she said.
One mat in the registry tells a particularly touching story. At 93 years old, an Acadian woman hooked a mat featuring the Acadian flag, which takes up most of the design.
In the center, a circle showcases a lighthouse and a man standing beside a small boat.
Morison said the woman explained that the man in the art piece is her son, capturing a deeply personal connection within her work.
Beyond the artistry, the registry has played a key role in changing how people view their mats.
When the project first launched in the early 2000s, organizers faced challenges.
Morison said that despite putting up posters, their first registration event had no attendees.
“People would think, ‘Oh, it’s an old mat. Nobody wants to look at it,’” Morison said.
“But we’d tell them, ‘We’d love to look at it. Can we call you when we organize a registry?’”
Over time, the registry built trust in communities, inviting people to bring their mats and tell their stories.
Morison explained that people were often left with a new sense of pride after the mats were documented.
“They go out holding them much more carefully than they did when they came in because they realize, ‘Oh, this is really something special,’” she said.
A new chapter for the registry
To mark two decades of work, the New Brunswick Mat Registry will launch a new bilingual website in June.
The website will allow the public to explore the mats, their stories, and the registry’s work.
Users will be able to search by registration numbers or makers’ names, creating a unique connection to this cultural treasure.
The registry’s efforts wouldn’t be possible without its dedicated volunteers.
Morison emphasized that volunteers across the province have donated their time to photograph mats, sew tags, and interview owners, often without any reimbursement for travel expenses.
“We have wonderful volunteers who do this without barely getting paid for gas,” she said.
Partnership with the New Brunswick Museum
The launch of the new website was made possible through a partnership with the New Brunswick Museum, which is hosting the registry’s database.
Morison expressed gratitude for the museum’s support, saying, “We couldn’t do this without them. It’s been fantastic.”
The website is expected to serve as a resource for artists, historians, and educators, offering everything from design inspiration to cultural insight.
The initiative also includes educational tools, such as learning modules for schools, to ensure this maritime tradition continues to inspire future generations.
Celebrating the tradition
The registry’s efforts highlight how hooked mats have played a significant role in New Brunswick’s cultural heritage.
From practical beginnings to artistic achievements, the mats tell a story of resilience, creativity, and community.
“It’s really interesting to talk to people and hear their stories,” Morison said.
“You never know what will come through the door.”
With the new website on the horizon, the New Brunswick Mat Registry continues its commitment to preserving and celebrating this important tradition for years to come.
