Historical Museums

The African Art Museum located in Tenafly was established in the year 1980 and it is one of the few museums in the country that specifically show the art of Africa. The SMA fathers which stands for The Society of African Missions is an organization of Catholic priests which serve people in Africa. The museum offers collections, they exhibit unique sculptures, paintings, textiles, folklore, and decorative arts. This Museum is one of the five museums that are maintained by the SMA throughout the whole world.

The museums are meant to continue the vision of the SMA’s founder, which was Bishop Melchior de Marion Bresillac. Bishop Melchior believed and made his Society believe that the culture they are serving should always be respected and preserved. This museum contains many forms of work from masks, textile work, religious figurines, and decorative arts. The museum is the main hallway of the Church, meaning that once everyone walks inside the church they will see the amazing artwork.

The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey

The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey was founded in 1972 and it was all in honor of those who have been recognized for their aeronautical achievements, they are all recognized by the Hall of Fame. It has recently been expanded in order for visitors to come and view the historic air and space equipment, artifacts, photographs, art, and model collection. It has hundreds of aviation tapes.

The museum offers programs for those that are into aviation. One program called “Dare to Fly”, it is specifically made for children the ages of 7 through 15 that are interested in it. The museum includes a theatre called Raymond R. Wells Theatre; it consists of 60 seats where the visitors will experience the saga of New Jersey aerospace history in the 9 minute “flight”.

The African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers

(Society of African Mission)

Address: 23 Bliss Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670

Open Hours: Seven days a week from 8:00am-5:00pm

Phone: (201)-894-8611

Website: https://smafathers.org/museum/

Address: 400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ, 07608

Open Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm

Phone: (201)-288-6344

Website: https://www.visitnj.org/nj-museums/aviation-hall-fame-museum-new-jersey

The Belskie Museum of Art & Science Inc.

The Belskie Museum of Art & Science was founded in Closter, NJ, by the Closter Lions Club. Closter Lions club is a group of people who encourage the young to do better, promote education, and the advancement of medicine and healthcare. In the museum their main purpose was to preserve and exhibit the works of Scottish-born Abram Belskie who was a sculptor and a medical illustrator. Abram Belskie had been a resident of Closter his entire adult life, he is considered one of the country’s most accomplished sculptors.

The modern building completed in the year 1994, was renovated by the Closter Lions Club, it was 3,900 square feet big and they decided to donate it to the Borough of Closter. The museum not only hosts Belskie’s work but also exhibits monthly works from national and international artists. This museum became one of Bergen County’s best ones when it comes to art.

The Blauvelt Art Museum

The Blauvelt Art Museum was established in the year 1957 by the Blauvelt-Demarest Foundation, In the early 20th Century, wildlife was known to be important and beautiful. Conservationists believed that gathering animals in order for people to view them was also important. Hiram Blauvelt had a collection, which he wanted to show the public, he wanted people to know his experience and all of his stories. Hiram’s purpose was to educate the upcoming generations who also thought the wildlife kingdom was beautiful.

After the museum was highly renovated in 1893, they expanded it. It now consists of a large reception area, 4 mini galleries, and separate museums office. The galleries consist of a lot of wall space for people to view the sculptures. The entrance to the museum is through a curve stone and slate terrace, framed by large oak trees, surrounded by sculptures, it’s what people love the most when they visit the museum.

Address: 280 High Street, Closter, NJ, 07624

Open Hours: Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm- 5:00pm

Phone: (201)-768-0286

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Belskie-Museum-of-Art-Science-184088978288696/

Address: 705 Kinderkamack Road, Oradel, NJ, 07649

Open Hours: Wednesday- Friday 10:00am- 4:00pm, Weekends 2:00-pm- 5:00pm

Phone: (201)-261-0012

Website: https://www.visitnj.org/nj-museums/hiram-blauvelt-art-museum

The Cadmus House Borough Museum

The Cadmus House was built in 1808 by the landowner, which was Jacob Haring and his wife, Margarat. It had a few owners until Thomas Cadmus and his wife Margaret bought it in 1816, the house was used as a real estate office at one point until 1985. The house was conserved by Fair Lawn residents that did not want the house to be taken down.

The house consists of two totally different themed rooms. The room downstairs has pictures of some old houses in Fair Lawn, old homes that were very important in the neighborhood. There’s also pictures of farms and farmhouses around the area. The upstairs rooms are different. One room is decorated with dolls and cribs. One room is decorated with some of Police and Fire department’s history, also with trophies students have attained from High School, films of football games. The place has a big area for parking.

Address: 14-01 Politt Drive, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410

Open Hours: The third Sunday of every month. Closed for July and August

Phone: (201)-796-7692

Website: https://patch.com/new-jersey/fairlawn-saddlebrook/cadmus-house-museum-opens-its-doors-thanks-its-supporters

Pascack Valley Historical Society Museum

The Society began as a small group of local residents gather together a collection of historical items. In 1938, the group were discussing plans for its permanent preservation. Until 1952, they found a permanent home at 19 Ridge Avenue in a form chapel that itself is a historic landmark. It finally opened in 1873 and Today the Pascack Historical Society is run by an all-volunteer board of trustees. Spanning multiple generations and from varied backgrounds, our trustees are united under a common mission of “preserving the past for the future.”

The Cadmus House Borough Museum

The Cadmus House was built in 1808 by the landowner, which was Jacob Haring and his wife, Margarat. It had a few owners until Thomas Cadmus and his wife Margaret bought it in 1816, the house was used as a real estate office at one point until 1985. The house was conserved by Fair Lawn residents that did not want the house to be taken down.

The house consists of two totally different themed rooms. The room downstairs has pictures of some old houses in Fair Lawn, old homes that were very important in the neighborhood. There’s also pictures of farms and farmhouses around the area. The upstairs rooms are different. One room is decorated with dolls and cribs. One room is decorated with some of Police and Fire department’s history, also with trophies students have attained from High School, films of football games. The place has a big area for parking.

Address: 19 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Open every Sunday from 1-4 and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon (excluding state and federal holidays). Museum admission is free

Phone: (201) 573-0307

Website: http://www.pascackhistoricalsociety.org/

Address: 14-01 Politt Drive, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410

Open Hours: The third Sunday of every month. Closed for July and August

Phone: (201)-796-7692

Website: https://patch.com/new-jersey/fairlawn-saddlebrook/cadmus-house-museum-opens-its-doors-thanks-its-supporters

Carlstadt Historical Firehouse Museum

The Carlstadt Historical Firehouse Museum includes archival photographs, written documents, news articles, clothing and much more items that tell the borough’s history. The first floor is dedicated to the War effort from those who served in World War l and World War ll, it has articles from the Police and Fire department of Carlstadt,

The Second floor dedicated mostly to the school district, it has many school graduations and parties, pictures of various students graduating high school. It has a couple of high school yearbooks. The house isn’t that big but it certainly can teach you a lot of what Carlstadt is made of and the story behind the borough.

Mahwah Museum

The Museum opened in 2001 and hosts several exhibitions such as the Donald Cooper Model Railroad and different models of trains. The Mahwah Museum exhibit display information about the history of it's town and its connection. It has a collection of artifacts, photographs, historical records, and documents that are carefully preserved and is available to researchers and historians. The understanding and appreciation of its town heritage, the museum provides perspective for the present and for the future.

Meadowlands Museum

The Meadowlands Museum is the main seward of history and culture of the Meadowlands of the region. It was built in 1804 by the Berry family who were among the county's earliest settlers. Rooms in the three-level American Dutch farmhouse are alive with permanent and temporary exhibits and sometimes include loaned objects from other museums and private collections. Historical artifacts like archives and photographs are mingled with textiles, furniture, housewares and artwork. Founder in 1961 as the Rutherford Junior Museum by parents of school age children to help connect them to their community, the museum is staffed by professionals assisted by dedicated volunteers and involved trustees. Interns add to the rich resource of individuals who contribute to its present and future.

The Old Station Museum

The museum was established in 1967 and it's located where the original station on the Erie Railroad in Mahwah. The winters family were the first families rescued the museum from destruction and later by the Mahwah Historical Society. Many collectors gave artifacts to the museum that were very intriguing of railroad memorabilia. The 1871 station remained in service until 1904 when the Erie expanded to four tracks and raised the roadbed from the ground level. The second station remained until 1914 when it was destroyed by fire. The current station was built in 1914 and still serves commuters today.

Maywood Station Museum

On March 11, 1872, the Maywood station formally opened with the same paints as it is today. After it opened, the station had a sign that said "West Hackensack" but was removed after residents wanted to name it Maywood. Since then, the station had then became known. In 1937, the rail services that helped run the Maywood Station declared bankruptcy. The station conditions started deteriorating as the years go by. In 2002, the Maywood Station Historical Committee Division of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. was formed with a plan to restore the station and turn it into a museum. After several years of volunteer work to restore the station and create a museum, the group has successfully achieved their objectives and more, including placement of the station on both the National Register and State of New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

Pascack Valley Historical Society Museum

The Society began as a small group of local residents gather together a collection of historical items. In 1938, the group were discussing plans for its permanent preservation. Until 1952, they found a permanent home at 19 Ridge Avenue in a form chapel that itself is a historic landmark. It finally opened in 1873 and Today the Pascack Historical Society is run by an all-volunteer board of trustees. Spanning multiple generations and from varied backgrounds, our trustees are united under a common mission of “preserving the past for the future.”

Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum

The present schoolhouse that was built in 1872 cost $4600. It teaches students curriculum from grades 1 through 8. There was a large bell summoned children from miles away to school each morning. Right now the belfry is gone and the bell was used others schools after is closed in 1905. It returned in 1977 and have an exhibition space for farming and a local comedian. Having more attractions to people will certainly make them want to come visit again.

Waldwick Museum of Local History

It's one of the few extant frame terminal predating 1900 on the Erie Railroad line in New Jersey. It was built in 1887 and has an extensive exhibition of the town's railroad past with maps and pictures. The Waldwick Community Alliance (WCA) has compiled a collection of hundreds of historical photographs and documents as well as artifacts from that time that are or will be on display. The WCA exhibits these historic artifacts along with others that are donated and collected. Many italian immigrants have also brought their traditions and how it shaped the town.

Fort Lee Museum

This museum opened in April 1999 and is operated by the Fort Lee Historical Society. The building is also known as the Judge Moore House. It was built with an exterior of bluestone quarried in 1922. The museum was supposed to be demolished but the community prevented its destruction and the borough purchased it. Here, they have collections of the long history of Fort Lee and the surrounding communities such as the George Washington Bridge, Palisades Amusement Park and the Battle of Fort Lee.

Fritz Behnke Historical Museum

The Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum is named after Fritz Behnke, who was actually born in Paramus in 1919. Fritz and his two brothers Walter & Donald started "Behnke's Paramus Building Supply" on Route 17 & Century Road. For many years, Fritz enjoyed being the official Historian of Paramus, and was the driving force behind the creation of the museum.

The Hermitage: A National Historic Landmark

This museum is a fourteen-room Gothic Revival built in 1847. Due to its excellence of architecture, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. In the museum, they have acquired many preserves and conserves objects from 1750 through the 20th century. Most of the house’s furnishings reflect the late Victorian lifestyle of the Rosencrantz family.

The Hopper-Goetschius Museum

This is the oldest remaining house in Upper Saddle River, built by the Hopper family. The Hopper-Goetschius house on the corner of Lake Street and East Saddle River Road dates back to 1739. Built by the Hopper family, it is the oldest remaining house in Upper Saddle River. We know it existed in 1739 because it was recorded in surveyor Charles Clinton’s journal and possible it is older. Rosalie Fellows Bailey in her book on pre-Revolutionary Dutch houses, says it was marked as the home of Gerrit Hoppa on a rough sheepskin map made about 1713.

Westwood Heritage Society Museum/Westwood Train Station

Westwood station opened on March 4, 1870 as part of the New Jersey and New York Railroad, a 21-mile (34 km) long railroad from Pavonia Terminal to Hillsdale. The station lasted until 1932, when after 25 years of fighting between the Erie Railroad and of the borough of Westwood, a new station was built, opening on November 13. In 2020 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The Museum serves as an exhibit gallery for the numerous artifacts of Westwood's past and records of its history that have been acquired or compiled by the Society.