A Welcome from our Founder
Visiting The Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is like taking a walk through yesteryear… As you reminisce with us, we hope you will get a glimpse of how life was lived many years ago!
– Fritz Behnke (1919-2012)
Our Mission
To keep the treasured history of Paramus and local area alive through:
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preserving significant local artifacts and stories
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inspiring curiosity and critical thinking
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engaging diverse audiences in meaningful dialogue
to connect past, present, and future residents and visitors.
We do this primarily through:
Exhibits
featuring Native American artifacts thousands of years ago to construction of the retail corridors of Routes 4 and 17, with a focus on the time period between 1900-1960
Exhibits covering:
Lenni Lenape
Bergen Pines (Medical Facility)
One Room Schoolhouse
Kitchen & Household Chores
Vintage Toys
Local Entertainment
Vintage Photographs
Farming and Industry
Local Businesses
Educational Programs
such as lectures, guided tours and other exclusive events exploring the significant places, former residents, and events that took place in and around the town of Paramus
Groups including:
School Groups (K-12, College)
Social & Civic Clubs
Police/Firefighters
Senior Citizens
Families
Municipal Orgs
Tours including:
Museum Tours
Trolley Tours
Cemetery Tours
Walking Tours
Partnerships
with philanthropic local businesses and donors as well as collaborations with other local non-profit and government organizations that keep Paramus's rich history alive
Partnership Options including:
Philanthropic Donations
Donation of Services
Donation of Artifacts
Volunteering Opportunities
University Projects
Government Grants
A short video showing one of our trolley tours
A short video showing the inspiration for the museum, Fritz Behnke's Barn on 81 Colorado Rd.