OSWEGO – 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
Museum tells 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.
