The Ridgewood Historical Society came into existence as a result of a name change in 1996. Previously it was the Paramus Historical and Preservation Society which had been organized by the Old Paramus Reformed Church.

Because the Paramus Historical and Preservation Society as well as the Church have always been located in Ridgewood and have never had any relationship with the municipality known as Paramus, also in Bergen County , the name was changed for the sake of clarity.

The church’s congregation was formed in 1725, but after suffering severe damage during the Revolutionary War, was rebuilt in 1800 where the original structure stands today.

In 1907 the Reverend Henry Cook, fresh from the seminary took over as pastor where he served for 45 years. It was during his tenure that he advocated the establishment of the Paramus Historical Society which was formed on February 11, 1921. Many artifacts, which had been on display in the church, were then moved to the Schoolhouse which had served as a storage area.

The Paramus Historical and Preservation Society maintained and operated the Schoolhouse Museum until 1996 when the group’s name was changed to the Ridgewood Historical Society.

The mission of the Ridgewood Historical Society, which operates the Schoolhouse Museum building, formerly one of the first public schools in Ridgewood, is to preserve the building, as well as maintain, interpret, and exhibit the collection of artifacts representing the history, culture, and lives of ordinary people from Ridgewood and the surrounding area from the period of Native America to the early 20th century in a consistently innovative way.

The vision of the Ridgewood Historical Society is to store and organize the historical collection of the Schoolhouse Museum in an appropriate and easily accessible manner in order to present the history of Ridgewood in a creative and meaningful way to the community.

• We value increased awareness, appreciation, and protection for historical artifacts, photographs, and ephemera for this and future generations.
• We value the opportunity to provide educational programs concerning the appreciation and preservation of history.
• We value programs and services that enhance the quality and protection of the collection housed in the Schoolhouse Museum.
• We value the efficient use of donations generously given to us by those in the community.
• We value the inclusion of those who desire to learn more about the historical components of the community.
• We value those who give of their time and efforts towards developing the Schoolhouse Museum collection.
• We value those who enhance the visibility of the organization throughout the community and surrounding areas.

President:  Sheila Brogan

Vice President:  Sherwin Suss

Treasurer:  Ines Bunza

Recording Secretary:  Candace Latham

Corresponding Secretary:  Susan Christopher

Curator:  Joy Simmen Hamburger

Trustees:

Jared Banta

Dolores Carpenter

Jordan Kender

Dorothy-Anne Pangburn

Anna Spalckhaver

Joseph Suplicki

Vicky Herbert

Bob Borders

Linda Diorio, School Liaison

Arlene Berlamino, Old Paramus Church Liaison

Volunteers: Click here for a reimbursement form