On January 18, 1995, Doug Foulks, town historian, and a small, determined group of local citizens banded together to preserve the town's history. With the generous gift of a building by the Lehotay family, in five years they achieved the impossible. With the consistent support of the Mayor, Council and borough employees, on June 19, 1999, county, state and federal officials joined as the ribbon was cut and the museum opened.

Keansburg, as an incorporated borough, is barely a century old, but the area has a rich history. It has the dubious distinction of being a probable site where the first European, John Coleman, of Henry Hudson's Half Moon crew, was killed by native arrow and buried.

Gradually the indigenous Lenni-Lenape were displaced from Waikioak (Waackaack), their 'land of plenty' by European settlers. For years produce from area farms and fisherman was carted to the foot of what is today Main Street for shipment to Manhattan and other cities. This area became known as Granville.

The name "Keansburg" was first used for a new Post Office. Then, in 1917, the Borough of Keansburg was incorporated, due largely to the efforts of Rev. John Ramsey and congressman John Kean.