The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County

Founded in 1876 and established in Maplewood in 1945, over the years the ethical culture movement (known as The American Ethical Union) has been instrumental in launching Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, Visiting Nurses, New York Settlement House, Fieldston School, and National Ethical Service at the U.N. The Society began a long-running Ethics for Children program and most recently, Essex Time Exchange ( a time bank facilitating the exchange of services) among other initiatives. The Maplewood Society was the first peace site in the country. Its motto is: to act so as to bring out the best in ourselves by bringing out the best in others.