safe haven museum

CliffordK632

Safe Haven Museum is a very interesting to see their history in the past yearThis building will be expanding within 2 years.

Nancy48345

I knew about the Safe Haven museum and finally made it down to check it out. To look at the building you wouldn't believe the size of it inside. So much history to have taken place in our small city! As the generation that lived during those horrible times passes-we need to keep the facts alive! plan on spending at least a hour on the tour. A narrative is given by the caretaker then a video with actual accounts from residents of the camp. the last step is a walk through the museum. A $5 charge/donation is required but well worth it!!

728judithp

We think of ourselves as knowledgeable about WWII history. But we never heard of this story--FDR (well, Eleanor) taking 1,000 refugees and bringing them to some old army barracks in Oswego NY. Most of them were Jewish, with a few Catholics and Protestants. They had fled the Nazis and ended up in Italy. The film is a must see--interviews with people who were in the camp. Many of them were able to remain in the U.S.--and that's a story in itself.Get the book, "Token Refuge" by Sharon R. Lowenstein, to get the whole story.They plan to expand the tiny museum over the next few years.Then go across the field to look at Lake Ontario!

smvklein

AMAZING and touching stories. Definately worth the visit to watchthe short film and hear the storis first hand. Lois was a wealth of knowledge

margem2014

We went to the 70th anniversary celebration of Safe Haven with friends in June of 2014. What a wonderful piece of history. I think most folks don't know the story of Safe Haven and should go to experience it.

momasig

This is a small museum that tells the history of jewish immigrants that arrived temporarily in Oswego escaping concentration camps during WWII. Very interesting and the attendant was very sweet and knowledgable . Well worth a visit.

jcrap53

The Board of Directors and the city of Oswego are getting ready for the 70th Reunion of the arrival of the refugees to Fort Ontario. This museum tells the story of the 982 refugees that were housed at Fort Ontario during WWII. Joining us for the reunion the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance has chosen Safe Haven as their charity to remember those lost during the Holocaust. As a member of the Alliance said "we have been doing these rides for 10 years and this is the first time we celebrate life" The event is open to the public and we encourage everyone who has a love of history and memory of those lost during the Holocaust to join us for this event. Please visit web site for more information. www.oswegohaven.org

tommyj0428

Wow!! My son and I were looking to "do something" on a rainy Central New York day. We went to Fort Ontario but it was closed for the day so we went over to this museum. Glad we did. It is an almost forgotten part of Oswego history that the city was host to refugees during World War II. Very educational and interesting.

MarcoFarum

We were 4 Danes taken by surprise, when we visited the small museum of "Safe Haven" for the only Refugee Center in US during World War II. Everyone have to see the movie with witnesses sharing their destinies; the story about 982 refugees coming to US in 1944. The documentary was excellent composed, very touching and worst of all – still relevant. If you are close to Oswego: Go there. (Visitors should at least be 12 years old).

trainbuff9

Upon my arrival, one of the volunteers explained in detail how almost 1000 mostly European Jewish individuals were transported to Oswego during WWII, providing safe haven for them. This small museum packs a lot of punch in a relatively small area and I was really impressed. I asked the volunteer if many school groups came to visit, she said yes, also many senior groups. The museum has limited hours so I would check before visiting; well worth the $5.00 admittance charge. Plenty of free parking.

TouringTwoTimers

Although small, this museum is definitely worth visiting. Telling the largely unknown story of 982 WWII refugees who were saved from Nazi persecution by being given a temporary haven in a small town in upstate New York, this museum conveys a part of history of which we had been totally unaware.. The movie and exhibits are excellent and are both compelling and moving. The warmth and welcome that were offered to these "strangers' by the townfolk of Oswego is heartwarming and an example to all of us. One cannot leave this museum without feeling shame that America did not do more to help those under Nazi terror but proud that one small community opened their hearts and minds to help others in need. Do put it on your bucket list!

JuneNY

If Jewish history or the holocaust interest you, this is a MOST GO TO place! It is very well organized, and tells the story of how the USA saved close to 1000 lives during WW2 by bringing them here to Oswego. Its really fascinating!!

RL4543

This little museum gives a very good account of the 982 mostly Jewish refugees brought to the U.S. during WWII. A part of history that is little known. Oswego should be proud of how they welcomed the refugees. A nice film with interviews of both some refugees and Oswego residents gives the very human side of the story. If visiting Oswego, take the time to visit this little museum by Fort Ontario. It takes approximately one hour.

Claireblumdestevens

Who knew that jews were safely harbored in Oswego, NY during WWII. this museum talks all about it. A must see!!

parafrog

Collocated to Fort Ontario, this small niche’ museum tells the story of not only refugees, but also the warmth and understanding of the small town citizenry who personified the best of America. This, I believe, the main take away.The displays do an adequate job of narrating the experience; there is a film (of course) that I found to be evocative lending a human face to the plight of the refugees.A visit is worthwhile; allow about one hour.