The Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum

Mission: To take visitors on a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the way things used to be.

The Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is named after Fritz Behnke, who was born in Paramus in 1919.  His family has lived in Paramus since 1886.  Fritz grew up on his father’s vegetable farm until it was sold in 1951.  At that time, Fritz and his two brothers, Walter and Donald, started “Behnke’s Paramus Building Supply” on Route 17 and Century Road.

For many years, Fritz enjoyed being the official Historian of Paramus, and was the driving force behind the creation of the museum.  His goal was to preserve the memories of the past by showing people the way life was lived many years ago.  Although Fritz passed away in April 2012 at the age of 93, his memory and passion for this museum lives on.  Today, Fritz’s son, Fred, along with many other dedicated volunteers, proudly give tours and share their personal experiences about the way things used to be.

The Fritz Behnke Historical Museum provides visitors with the opportunity to take a walk through the past. As they reminisce with us, we hope they will get a glimpse of how life was lived in yesteryear.

We have various exhibits, replicas, photographs, and videos showcasing how Paramus and life was a century ago. As visitors walk through the Museum, we hope they reflect on the way things used to be, and marvel at how far we have progressed!  We hope everyone is able to catch a glimpse of life as it was in yesteryear, and trace the many adjustments rural America had to make to keep up with the growth of the time.