Located in the historic City of Oswego, the Safe Haven Museum is housed in an original 1905 gate house at Fort Ontario State Park. Fort Ontario has seen military service in every American war, and was built upon the ruins of three earlier fortifications dating to the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. The historically-rich 18th Century fortification is open to visitors from early May through October and includes parade grounds, ramparts, officers’ quarters, an interactive museum, and spectacular views of the Great Lake. A resplendent 19th Century mansion is located several blocks away on East 3rd Street. Containing original furnishings and artwork, the Richardson-Bates House Museum depicts the life of a prominent Oswego family during the Victorian era, and is open for tours during the Summer.
The original settlement of Oswego pre-dates the American Revolution as a fur trading post for early Europeans. Named the deepest fresh water port in America by Congress in 1799, the City was incorporated in 1848 and has served as a strategic defense and shipping port for over 200 years. An iconic West Pier Lighthouse guards the harbor entrance to Lake Ontario, and can be visited by boat during the summer months. The Oswego River divides the East and West sides of town, and along the East side, one can view locks 7 & 8 of the original Oswego Canal which are still in use today.
EXPLORE
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During the mid-1800’s, the Erie Canal facilitated commerce between the Great Lake, Syracuse, NYC, and beyond. On the West side is the must-see H. Lee White Maritime Museum which houses one of the finest collections of maritime artifacts in the Great Lakes. An original Erie Canal Barge and historic WWII LT-5 Tugboat used on D-day during the invasion of Normandy are on display, and the museum is open year-round.
Two miles further west, visitors can tour the Oswego Campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), an institution of higher learning known for its academic excellence around the World. With its important contributions to world history, excellent amenities, world-class recreation, and famous sunsets, The City of Oswego is a favorite destination among travelers.
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VISIT THE MUSEUM
22 Barbara Donahue Drive , Oswego, NY 13126
315.342.3003
Summer Hours (May 1st to Columbus Day)
Open 6 Days a Week: 11:00am - 4:30pm
Open: Thursday - TuesdayClosed Wednesday
Columbus Day to May 1st
Open Thursday through Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00 pm
$10.00 Adults
$5.00 Children and Students
Please contact the museum to make arrangements for a group tour
