Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum
When most people think of New Jersey, they envision eighteen-wheelers on the Turnpike, oil refineries and aging cities. But the Garden State is also home to the birthplace of a President, the workshop of America’s most famous inventor and many small museums that offer insight into local history.
Located in Hawthorne of NJ, the Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is a small museum that exhibits a variety of everyday objects from the early 1900s. The museum is housed in an old caretaker’s home and contains two floors of artifacts that span over 90 years of Bergen County history. The museum is open on Sundays and has a suggested donation of $2.
The museum’s lower level displays various woodworking and blacksmithing items. It also has a display that showcases different types of farming. Paramus was once known nationally for its celery farms, and the lower level of the museum shows this distinction by displaying one of the first electric washing machines (a duplicate of which is housed in the Smithsonian Museum) and some of the original equipment used to harvest celery. The lower level also displays some of the tools used in woodworking and gardening.
On the upper level, visitors will find a room that houses an old school room and some police and fire department memorabilia, as well as information about the borough’s oldest hospital, Bergen Pines. There is also a display of old toys, including dollhouses and cast metal farm tractors.
A short video presentation on the history of the town of Paramus is shown before a tour of the museum. The time lasts about 30 minutes.
The museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Parking is free. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos inside the museum. A small gift shop is also located at the museum.
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The museum is an excellent place for kids and their families. The staff is friendly and helpful. They even have a program for the kids on Saturdays, including crafts, games and story time. The team can also help you plan your event. They can recommend vendors and provide you with an event itinerary. They can even assist with transportation for out-of-town guests. Visit the website for more information. You can also call them with any questions you may have. They’re always happy to help!