Between 1819, when the first major industrial plant was established in what became known as Factoryville, and 1929, when the Great Depression struck the metropolitan area, Staten Island hosted an impressive series of industrial and manufacturing enterprises. Staten Island linoleum, soap, bricks, paper, lager beer, and printed cloth are products that received national, even world-wide distribution. Locally used products included carriages, baked goods, furniture, and baskets.

Made on Staten Island presents a wide variety of objects crafted and produced on the island from the 18th to the 20th centuries, along with tools and other artifacts that highlight the industrial and social development of Staten Island from its agricultural roots, through the industrial period, to the suburban building boom after World War II.