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.
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!
Who knew that jews were safely harbored in Oswego, NY during WWII. this museum talks all about it. A must see!!
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).
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.
AMAZING and touching stories. Definately worth the visit to watchthe short film and hear the storis first hand. Lois was a wealth of knowledge
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.
Safe Haven Museum is a very interesting to see their history in the past yearThis building will be expanding within 2 years.
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.
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.