Community News

The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum is thrilled to announce special weekend hours for its upcoming "Eclipse Event" from April 5th to April 8th.

In celebration of the remarkable Oswego experience in the path of totality , visitors will have the opportunity to explore the museum's exhibits and learn about the inspiring journey of the refugees who found solace and hope in America during one of the darkest times in human history. 

The museum will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with special Monday hours on April 8th from 9 am to 12 pm to coincide with the eclipse event. This event promises to be a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the rich history and poignant stories preserved within the museum's walls

. As Oswego prepares to witness a total solar eclipse, we encourage visitors to make the most of their time in our city by experiencing both this celestial wonder and the profound history encapsulated in the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum. Combining the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with the resilience of the human spirit, this weekend promises to be truly unforgettable.

During World War II, the Nazi Blitzkrieg created millions of refugees as it swept across Europe, leaving devastation in its wake. The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museumtells the story of the 982 men, women, and children who found sanctuary in America, thanks to President Franklin Roosevelt's symbolic gesture.

Selected for their skills and resilience, these refugees embarked on a journey fraught with challenges, including cramped conditions aboard the USS Henry Gibbins and the uncertainty of their future upon arrival in the United States. Settling in Oswego at Fort Ontario, they faced barbed wire fences and military oversight, yet found kindness and support from the local community.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to preserve and honor the stories of these survivors. As Manya Breuer, a former resident of Fort Ontario, eloquently states, "I feel like I was left here, in this world, from the Holocaust, for a reason."

The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum stands as a testament to their resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.

We invite the public to join us for this special weekend "Eclipse Event" to learn, reflect, and commemorate the Oswego experience. Your support is vital in ensuring that these stories continue to be told for generations to come.

For more information about the museum and its exhibits, please visit www.safehavenmuseum.com.

About The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum: The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, located in the old Administration Building for the refugee shelter at Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York, was dedicated on October 6, 2002. It serves as a memorial to suffering and the triumph of the human spirit, preserving the unique story of America's only refugee camp for war victims