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    West Pierhead Lighthouse

    3.0 (1 review)

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    2 years ago

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    Safe Haven - A Cry for Mercy by sculptor Carolyne Cree. Symbolizes the ship of refugees coming to the U.S.

    Safe Haven

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    I was fortunate to have been the bartender over 20 years ago for the fundraising event to build the…read moremuseum. Ruth Gruber and so many of the survivors were in attendance. I've been meaning to visit since its opening. The tour is self led after an 8-minute video. Each area of the exhibit has touch screens (they provide a stylus) and some have audio. The accompanying app digs deeper into the stories and history. It is a must see if you're in the area. The events leading up to and during the refugee settlement should be taught about in school.

    Fort Ontario, now home to Safe Haven Museum, was the only U.S. jurisdiction to formally protect,…read morefeed, house, and educate European refugees during WWII. Thanks to President FDR, 982 refugees found their way to America and away from the devastating effects of the Holocaust. To me, it seemed unbelievable that such history could be found in CNY so I had to check it out. One Saturday morning, I made the 20 mile drive to Oswego in order to visit this small local museum. I arrived 30 minutes after it opened and was the first person there. I chatted with a delightful volunteer, who gave me a rundown of the site and its history before allowing me to watch a 38 minutes video, which included refugee interviews. After the video, I strolled around the tiny gallery to read their stories and see photos. Afterward, I walked through the main area one last time and again chatted with the volunteer, who has been keeping an eye on the place since it opened in 2002. All and all, I would say that I spent two hours at the museum, but you could easily see it all in an hour or so. Admission is $5 for adults. It is obvious that this local landmark is proud of its heritage and has gained a lot of support from both survivors and their families. There are currently plans to expand the facility and add an outdoor garden, which will be lovely. I was sad to hear that there is a shortage of volunteers because this type of history should be protected and shared for generations to come. My only real complaint is that the "theater" where the movie is shown is in the middle of the exhibit hall and the background noise is a tad distracting when you're reading plagues and information boards (a group of people came in 30 minutes behind me). Although this is a small museum and perhaps a work-in-progress, I recommend it to anyone who, like me, enjoys a trip to the museum to learn new things. I took several courses revolving around the Holocaust in both high school and college, but I never heard the story of Fort Ontario. It is worth going to see for yourself to reflect upon Oswego, NY's place in WWII history.

    Photos
    Safe Haven - The Fort at the time of the refugee encampment.

    The Fort at the time of the refugee encampment.

    Safe Haven
    Safe Haven - Dr. Afridi visits the Safe Haven

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    Dr. Afridi visits the Safe Haven

    Oswego Theatre - Lobby

    Oswego Theatre

    3.3(24 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    A tarted up shadow of its former self…read more What's left of the original decor is hidden behind countless taped up posters, signs and standing displays - to the point where it looks like a teenager's bedroom or a college dorm. I like movie posters, but you're bombarded with them practically everywhere you look. It's beyond overkill. The actual movie experience on nearly every screen is compromised by the dim projection and because they're mostly in oddly shaped rooms where sightlines take a lower priority to capacity and traffic. Before you watch a movie here, pull up the trailer for that movie on your phone. If the picture on the movie screen is not as bright, sharp and clear as the picture on your phone, there is definitely something wrong. The most common causes are leaving the 3D filter on for non-3D movies, using worn out projector bulbs beyond their expiration date, and running the bulbs at less than full capacity. My guess is all three happen here. The screen wall should be free of distraction, not competing with a ramp to an exit door, especially if that ramp pushes the screen up to an uncomfortable sightline. Worst is #6 where the seats face straight ahead, but the screen is angled oddly to the left. I understand why it was done - a bad choice years ago - but it's no longer necessary, and the result is an awkward asymmetrical sightline. Also, the blue lights on the stairs are 10 times brighter than they need to be. The glare in your eyes increases your chance of tripping, (I did, and the guy in front of me, too). The floor lights reflect on the screen, washing out the picture contrast with a blue glow throughout the movie. Not a premium experience. The main room is very sad. The once beautiful atmospheric sky ceiling shows peeling paint and water damage, the original stage looks like a basement with some kind of pipes or partially dismantled metal framework hanging over the screen. The staff are generally nice except when they're not, seats are comfortable but worn out. Popcorn is pricey but decent. It's bafflling that the theatre got a huge financial grant from the city and instead of repairing the main room and so many other details, they wasted money on things like planters outside. Saving labor by eliminating the box office and selling tickets at the concession stand can stall your access to seating, because you have to wait while everyone in front of you gets their snacks. Asking an unoccupied person behind the counter to pause whatever he's futzing with and sell you a ticket so you can move on gets a curt refusal. I'd like to see this place - and the usually nice folks who work there - succeed and thrive, and I still like the idea of going out to a movie, but for the most part, this place isn't likely to draw me away from the brighter, sharper picture on a halfway decent TV screen, except for an occasional event movie that I'd want to see when it comes out. That will still look much better when it's available to view at home.

    Made a birthday party reservation for today (4/5) two weeks ago. Confirmed the reservation this…read morepast Thursday. My wife showed up today before the movie and they had NO RESERVATION for her. Very stressful moment for her as my son's friends were getting dropped off and there was nothing she could do. Shame that the only theater within 30 miles is run so poorly. Ended up scrambling up to Destiny. Kids had a good time! Won't make that mistake booking Oswego Cinema again...

    Photos
    Oswego Theatre - Indiana Jones on Sunday

    Indiana Jones on Sunday

    Oswego Theatre
    Oswego Theatre - Recliners. Awesome.

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    Recliners. Awesome.

    West Pierhead Lighthouse - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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