Passaic County has inherited a rich history, and is channeling that into a brighter future. Under the direction of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs manages several historic sites throughout the region. There are plenty of local places to see and things to learn nearby.
Passaic County’s historic sites are heavily concentrated on the freedom to invent and innovate. Innovative technology and original ideas, then and now, have roots in government, politics, industrial power, transportation, engineering, machinery, scientific discovery, and the fight for freedoms and civil rights. The historic, political, and economic freedom that has fostered innovation can be interpreted at the below historic sites and museums.
Part of Passaic County’s character stems from its rich diversity, both now and long ago. Food, culture, sports, religion, arts, activism, music, immigration, architecture, festivals, celebrations, and so much more can all be interpreted from our local history at the sites below.
Walk in the footsteps of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and other founding fathers. Stand in the places where the inspiration for the birth of our nation was once sparked.
Key sites that played an important role in the fight for American independence include the Dey Mansion, Goffle Brook Park, Long Pond Ironworks, Paterson Great Falls, Ringwood Manor, and Robert Erskine's Grave.