A former local resident has come back to open up a museum. It’s located in an old firehouse, and the building offers a glimpse into the past. This is especially true of the Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum, named after Fritz Behnke, who was born in Paramus in 1919.

What can you expect if you visit the historical museum? You will get a firsthand glimpse of how life was lived in yesteryear. There will be trolleys to ride on, vehicles from the past, and plenty of folk music! Visiting the Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is like taking a walk through the past. It’s a hands-on experience that will bring you back in time to the 1920 and 30s, at least in regards to how people lived and worked. The Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is conveniently located in Paramus, NJ at the corner of Franklin Turnpike and Childress Lane. 

Check it out

If you are looking for a new date spot, look no further than the Fritz Behnke Historical Museum. This museum is located in Paramus, NJ, and is worth your time for several reasons. It hasn’t been around too long, which makes it all the more interesting to learn about Bergen County’s history. The museum opened in 2010 and already has a lot of history on display. You will find historical photos from Paramus, oral histories gathered from locals that remember growing up in this area forty years ago, and educational facts about Bergen County.

The Fritz Behnke Historical Museum contains 2 floors of artifacts dating back to the early 1900s when there were many farms in the Bergen County area. These include antique farm implements such as a 1912 Case Threshing Machine, a horse-drawn McCormick Deering Harvester, an 1897 Rock Drill and harnesses used by horses.

 I know what you’re thinking. “So, a museum? Sounds boring.” I’m glad you thought that, because after reading the above description, you were probably getting ready to head home. However, once inside, you quickly discovered that this is no ordinary museum. It’s more like an interactive walk-through of Bergen County history. Thoroughly enjoyable for adults and children alike, it’s a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon (don’t tell your children about the gas-burning stove though). I’d highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in New Jersey history.

From Paramus Road in Paramus, New Jersey drive west on Route 4 (Ridgewood Avenue) for 1 mile. Just before you reach the “gap” at Saddle River County Park turn right onto Paramus Road. Go through the traffic light and into the village of Ridgewood. Continue past the Jewish cemetery and the golf course; our museum is on your left.

Open one day a week (Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) and only by appointment, the tiny treasure that is the Fritz Behnke Historical Museum will steal an hour or two of your time. Don’t think that this museum is just another dusty collection of old artifacts placed in glass cases because it’s not. Every corner of the museum is crammed with genuine “hands-on” exhibits, early farming relics and machines, historical photos, and interesting facts about the Hammonton area no matter where you look.

Thinking about visiting our Museum? Here are the directions. For driving directions, we have a Google map link that you can easily access. We hope your visit to the Museum is fun and memorable!