The Paterson Museum, a statutory agency, was organized in 1925 by the Board of Library Trustees. The Museum began its operations in the assembly room of the Danforth Public Library as a display of natural history items, which had been donated to the Library by local residents. In 1927, the collections were moved to the carriage house of former Paterson mayor and philanthropist, Nathan Barnert, located on Summer Street next to the Danforth Library.

Over the years, the Museum's collections grew in size and scope, and additional space was needed for exhibitions. This need was met in 1982, when the restoration of the Thomas Rogers Locomotive Erecting Shop, built in 1873, was completed. Mayor Frank X. Graves, Jr., relocated the Museum to the Rogers Building, which is the focal point of the 119 acres Great Falls Historic District. The Museum's new location in close proximity to the nationally famous natural landmark, the Great Falls of the Passaic River, provides a unique backdrop for our exhibits.

From its inception, the Paterson Museum has stressed the educational aspects of its interpretive exhibits. A major Strength of the Museum lies in its varied collections, including local archaeology, history, and mineralogy. Paterson has been a birthplace or springboard to many innovators, inventors. The Museum relates the history of Paterson by showing its evolution as a machinery and textile center, the "Silk City", locomotive manufacturing, Colt arms and the unique Holland submarines.