Live.Work. Explore. A comprehensive guide and introduction to the Oswego Community
Welcome to the City of Oswego!
Mayor’s Welcome As Mayor of the City of Oswego, it is my esteemed pleasure to welcome you to our community and I encourage you to explore all that our City has to offer. On behalf of all City residents, I invite you to experience all the unique assets within our community as we continue to transform Oswego into a place where both residents and visitors can live, work and explore! The City of Oswego is in the midst of a dynamic culture change as a community. We have experienced a resurgence in our downtown as new restaurants and small businesses occupy our storefronts, creating a vibrant and lively ambience. Our numerous events throughout the summer truly make Oswego an exciting, year-round place to visit. From our weekly downtown Farmers’ Markets, to our unique assets like the Oswego Speedway and Fort Ontario, and our annual city-wide celebration known as Harborfest, we are a regional destination with plenty to enjoy! Moving forward, we are ambitiously working to revitalize our historic neighborhoods and enhance the natural assets our community has. We are beginning to capitalize on our world class Lake Ontario waterfront and take advantage of our prime location along the Oswego River. The City of Oswego has a bit of everything to offer as we continue to grow and transform into a 21st Century community all while embracing our rich, cultural history. Welcome to our community, we look forward to having you!
William J. Barlow, Jr. City of Oswego Mayor Phone: 315-342-8136 Email: mayor@oswegony.org Mayor Billy Barlow
My best,
William J. Barlow, Jr. City of Oswego Mayor
Live. Work. Explore.
Live. Located along the Oswego River on the Southeastern shore of Lake Ontario; Oswego, New York is a waterfront community home to approximately 18,000 residents. The city is in the midst of a transformation, building upon its strengths and embracing our rich history, natural assets, and promoting the development and restoration of healthy, vibrant neighborhoods in and around Oswego’s revitalized downtown. Our historic neighborhoods, established residential districts, and downtown living, offer a wide array of choices from single-family homes, apartments, condos, and mixed-use development.
Historic Districts The City of Oswego has four historic districts that include both residential and commercial properties. Each district has a unique and interesting history as well as beautiful homes.
The Franklin Square Historic District The Franklin Square Historic District is a collection of 93 residential and commercial buildings surrounding Franklin Square in the City of Oswego. Franklin Square was originally laid out in 1797 by Simeon Dewitt, Surveyor General of New York State. The historic estates surrounding Franklin Square were built between 1825 and 1900 by prominent merchants, ship builders, doctors, and factory owners. The homes represent most major 19th Century architectural styles including Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate, and Second Empire. The neighborhood is within walking distance of both downtown amenities and waterfront recreation.
The Washington Square Historic District The Washington Square Historic District consists of 39 residential, commercial and governmental buildings surrounding Washington Square on the City of Oswego’s East Side. Washington Square was laid out in 1797 by Simeon Dewitt when the City was originally planned and designed. The historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. The district encompasses the historic civic and religious center of the City’s East Side and includes many prominent historic residences. Notable properties include the Richardson-Bates House, the Oswego Public Library, and the Oswego County Courthouse.
Live. Work. Explore.
The Montcalm Park Historic District The Montcalm Park Historic District is made up of 28 buildings surrounding Montcalm Park on the City’s West Side. The historic district is adjacent to the Franklin Square Historic District and is also only a few blocks from the Lake Ontario waterfront. This district is unique as its centerpiece is the wedge shaped Montcalm Park, with intact historic details such as a wrought iron perimeter fence, circular benches and elliptical pathways. Other notable properties include the 1847 Myron Pardee House at 8 Montcalm Street and the 1848 Luther Wright House at 40 West Schuyler Street.
The Kingsford Historic District The Kingsford Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and includes 76 residential, commercial, and religious properties. The district is located on the City’s West Side situated between downtown and the Oswego Hospital. The district is named after the prominent Kingsford family who were directly and indirectly responsible for the construction of many of the district’s homes, churches, and commercial buildings. Notable properties include the Thomson Kingsford house at 150 West Third Street, the Higgins house at 40 West Oneida Street, and the West Baptist Church at 39 West Mohawk Street.
Neighborhoods and Parks The City of Oswego has a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit all types of individuals and families. Newer developments and older established neighborhoods make the city a great place to live. Our historic parks complement our neighborhoods and landscape throughout the city. Parks including Breitbeck, Franklin Square, Washington Square, and Linear provide picturesque backdrops for numerous events throughout the year, while smaller neighborhood parks like Montcalm, Oak Hill, Hamilton, and Shapiro are the perfect setting for playground activities and fun. A new City of Oswego Dog Park has also been introduced recently.
Live.Work. Explore.
Oswego’s Neighborhood Revitalization
The Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) and City of Oswego, along with partners from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, Pathfinder Bank, SUNY Oswego and additional sponsors, is executing a multi-year, market-based revitalization of Oswego Neighborhoods. More than $2million in private capital has been leveraged in four strategically targeted neighborhoods since 2014. Over the past several years, scores upon scores of homes have been rehabbed, multiple families have converted former rentals into single family homes, and entire neighborhood blocks have experienced a steady renaissance. The ORA’s byline, “Neighborhood Revitalization That Works,” could not be more true. The ORA’s outcomes in Oswego neighborhoods have achieved regional recognition from PACNY (Preservation Association of Central New York) and national recognition from Strong Towns, (https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2016/9/8/an-interview-with-paul-stewart).
How We Are Doing It The continuing success of Oswego’s neighborhood renaissance rests on a “Build On Strengths” market-based strategy. The ORA focuses investment and revitalization efforts geographically, beginning in stronger “middle market” neighborhoods, and expanding ever outwards year over year. This is accomplished through a variety of exciting programs for homeowners and neighbors, including: The Renaissance Block Challenge: Each year, the ORA targets whole groups of neighboring houses, not isolated individual homes. Neighbors that recruit between 5 and 15 houses on a block are eligible to apply for the Renaissance Block Challenge Grant. The ORA provides 1:1 matching grants (dollar-for-dollar) to each property owner, up to $1000 each, to make exterior home improvements. When groups of 10-15 houses work together on a single block, the results are profound. In rediscovering the formerly hidden strengths of our historic neighborhoods, whole blocks spring to life and neighbors partner with the ORA year over year. Paint Oswego Grant: Building on the strengths of Oswego’s amazing historic homes, the Paint Oswego grants offer up to $1000 in matching funds to paint your home in historic colors. More than 50 houses in Oswego have transformed as a result.
Become a Part of Oswego’s growing neighborhoods Want to know more? Whether you are interested in buying or renting, learn about the ORA and Oswego’s four target neighborhoods at www.oswegonyonline.com Ask us about the City of Oswego’s Residential Improvements Tax Exemption, a program that allows homeowners to invest in their property without the fear of having their tax bill significantly increased immediately. For more information call the Oswego City Code Enforcement Office at (315) 342-8265.
Getting Involved The City of Oswego provides numerous opportunities to become active in our community. Civic organizations, places of worship, youth sports programs, museums, theatres, clubs, concerts, events, waterfront/outdoor, and a variety of other activities and groups are available in the city for our residents and/or visitors to enjoy! Oswego truly is a “Year-Round Destination of Fun” and something for any interest… and anyone. Civic Organizations
Worship Directory For information on places of worship in Oswego please visit: oswegony.org/live/houses-of-worship
Youth Sports Organizations Oswego Minor Hockey Association Oswego Little League Oswego Youth Soccer Association Oswego Youth Basketball Association Oswego Girls’ Youth Fastpitch Softball Association Oswego Lacrosse Club Oswego Figure Skating Club
Downtown Living
Shopping Oswego offers shopping opportunities in the downtown as well as within the commercial shopping area along our thoroughfare from East to West on Route 104/Bridge Street. Retail stores line the streets of the market area, offering just about anything you can think of: outdoor gear, shoes, clothing, candy, jewelry, and other speciality shops.
Live in Downtown Oswego and be in the heart of it all with
This area is full of unique and exciting places to discover that special something you may not find anywhere else.
views of the water - Oswego River and Lake Ontario - s hopping, dining, and outdoor recreation including riverwalk trails at your
Oswego Movie Theater
front door. Young professionals, empty nesters, families - many
The Oswego Movie Theater, now known as Oswego Cinema 7, is a historic movie theater designed in 1940 in the Art Deco style and opened in 1941. Enjoy an amazing venue for the newest releases.
residents make their home right in Downtown Oswego.
Accommodations Oswego’s downtown living offers a variety of options to suit everyone’s specific needs. And the living spaces themselves,
The city offers several hotel, motel and B&B choices, including familiar national brands along with independent and special one-of-a-kind properties that are unique to our area. We offer lodging choices overlooking the Oswego River and Lake Ontario, within our downtown corridor as well as in the commercial shopping area along our thoroughfare from the East to the West on Route 104/Bridge Street.
from modern apartments and condos to spacious lofts
Oswego Restaurants and Nightlife
in historic buildings, are beautifully distinctive. There is
You will find a wide variety of menus, ambiance and budget options when you dine or cocktail in Oswego, whether it is in our downtown, commercial shopping area, or family restaurant businesses sprinkled throughout the city. Enjoy a casual meal or an upscale affair for a special occasion as Oswego offers great food, great times and great atmosphere.
something for every individual and family to choose from.
Live.Work. Explore.
Novelis Novelis transforms the inherent qualities of aluminum into vital components of innovative design in the creation of today’s high-demand consumer products. Our unique material advantage, customer-focused innovation and unparalleled commitment to sustainability define the Novelis Aluminum brand. Novelis Aluminum creates a unique material advantage for some of the world’s leading consumer products manufacturers. Novelis Aluminum is a catalyst for innovation that fuels the design, development and global delivery of some of the world’s most successful consumer products. The lifecycle sustainability of Novelis Aluminum brings tremendous benefits to consumers, manufacturers and society as a whole. As the industry leader, we are recognized by the company we keep. Our customers include some of the largest and best-known brands in the world.
Oswego Health Oswego Health was founded over 130 years ago, when a group of community-minded residents gathered for the specific purpose of starting a hospital. A look back to the initial board minutes reveals that the founders had concerns not unlike those in healthcare today. They wanted to provide care to all residents, regardless of income and other factors. They desired a location that people could easily access and, of course, wanted their facility to have the best physicians and most modern technology. Since that initial hospital meeting held in 1881, Oswego Hospital has evolved into a healthcare system that includes many vital services and programs.
Work.
Today, the Oswego Health system includes the Oswego Hospital, a 164-bed facility offering acute medical, emergency, surgical, maternity and behavioral services; The Manor at Seneca Hill, providing 24-hour skilled nursing, rehabilitation services and an Adult Day Health Services Program; as well as Springside at Seneca Hill, which offers retirement living for independent seniors.
The City of Oswego is dedicated to the success of our employers of small and large businesses, anchor institutions, and the region in which we live, which is why community partnership, business leadership and economic development are important. The city is working collaboratively with our community partners to promote this area as a place where people want to live, work and explore. We recognize that this partnership is vital to help retain and recruit businesses and employees to Oswego. Live.Work. Explore.
Exelon
Oswego County Opportunities
Exelon is a FORTUNE 150 company that works in every stage of the energy business: power generation, competitive energy sales, transmission and delivery. As the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, Exelon does business in 48 states, D.C., and Canada and employs approximately 34,000 people nationwide.
Oswego County Opportunities is a private, non-profit human services agency and has been providing services in the region since 1966. OCO is the designated community action agency for Oswego County and is committed to partnering with others to improve the quality of life for all and to help create successful communities. This team delivers a needed array of services through 50 different programs to nearly 25,000 individuals annually. OCO provides educational services to all ages, support for youth, reproductive health services, assistance and housing for the homeless and disabled, meals for the young, elderly, and the homebound, addiction recovery services, independence for the disabled, safety for the abused, and transportation for all.
Exelon owns and operates the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant, just minutes from Oswego in the Town of Scriba, and has two boiling-water reactors. The nuclear power plant is built on a 900 acre site on the shore of Lake Ontario. Nine Mile Point Nuclear-Station Unit 1 began operating in 1970 and Unit 2 was brought online in 1988. Together, they are-capable of generating 1,907 net megawatts (MW), enough electricity to power over 1 million average American homes.
Oswego County Government
Oswego City School District
Established in 1816 through an act of the New York State Legislature, Oswego County occupies 968 square miles of land on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario. Rich in natural beauty, the county offers excellent business, educational, and recreational opportunities. Oswego County government delivers many services that help provide a high quality of life.
The Oswego City School District is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence in education and providing a safe, secure environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The Oswego City School District encompasses a community of learners where colleagues share a passion for teaching and ensuring the success of all students.
Oswego County is comprised of the cities of Oswego and Fulton, 10 villages, and 22 towns. The County Legislature includes 25 districts; each legislator represents approximately 5,000 citizens. The county is located in the 23rd Congressional District; the 48th District of the New York State Senate; and in the 120th and 130th Districts of the New York State Assembly.
The District oversees five elementary schools (Charles E. Riley, Fitzhugh Park, Frederick Leighton, Kingsford Park, and Minetto), one middle school (Oswego Middle) and one high school (Oswego High).
Oswego County employees nearly 1100 employees.
Live.Work. Explore.
SUNY Oswego State University of New York at Oswego, also known as SUNY Oswego and Oswego State, is a public college in the City of Oswego and Town of Oswego, on the shore of Lake Ontario. With a student body of nearly 8,000 students, they are large enough to offer more than 110 programs of study, yet small enough for students to form quality relationships with each other and caring faculty. They stress quality education and experience inside and outside the classroom on their scenic, 690-acre lakeside campus. Students pursue bright futures through programs in College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education — as well as innovative interdisciplinary programs that cross traditional boundaries. Oswego opens doors to the future with internships and studyabroad opportunities that rate among the highest in the SUNY system.
St. Luke Health Services The St. Luke Family of Caring is an affiliation of community-based, not-for-profit healthcare providers serving the greater Oswego County area.
Exelon tate University of New York at Oswego, also known as SUNY Oswego and Oswego State, is a public college in the City of Oswego and Town of Oswego, New York, on the shore of Lake Ontario. With a student body of nearly 8,000 students, they are large enough to offer more than 110 programs of study yet small enough for students to form quality relationships with each other and caring faculty.
The St. Luke Mission: To meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community, the affiliate organizations comprising the St. Luke Family of Caring are dedicated to helping the people we serve live to their maximum potential and promote dignity of life throughout all of its stages. Their services include skilled nursing care; sub-acute, short-stay rehabilitation; adult day healthcare; enriched living and assisted living. They provide care and services to over 400 people, and employ over 500 in our community.
They stress quality education and experience inside and outside the classroom on our scenic, 690-acre lakeside campus. Students pursue bright futures through programs in our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education — as well as innovative interdisciplinary programs that cross traditional boundaries. Oswego opens doors to the future with internships and study-abroad opportunities that rate among the highest in the SUNY system.
Live.Work. Explore.
Business Partners/Agencies
Helpful Resources
Center State CEO
Local Banking
CNY Planning and Regional Development Board Oswego Community and Economic Development Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Operation Oswego County Oswego County IDA Oswego County Land Bank
-Pathfinder Bank
-NBT
-Chase Bank
-Community Bank
-Key Bank
-Oswego County Federal Credit Union
-Empower Federal Credit Union
-Compass Federal Credit Union
-Oswego Teachers Employees Credit Union
SUNY Oswego Office of Business & Community Relations SUNY Oswego Small Business Development Center Workforce Development System of Oswego County
Oswego Realtors
-Fitzgibbons Real Estate
-Century 21 Galloway Realty
-Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Visit oswegony.org/work for more information! Live.Work. Explore.
Important Contacts
Important Contacts
City of Oswego
Oswego County
OSWEGO CITY HALL 13 West Oneida Street Oswego, New York 13126
OSWEGO COUNTY BUILDING 46 East Bridge Street Oswego, New York 13126
WILLIAM J. BARLOW JR. City of Oswego Mayor 315-342-8136
OSWEGO COUNTY LEGISLATURE Office of the Chairman 315-349-8230
OFFICE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL 315-342-8140
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 315-349-8235
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK City Hall, First Floor 13 West Oneida Street, Oswego 315-342-8116
OSWEGO COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE 315-349-3288
DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT City Hall, Third Floor 13 West Oneida Street, Oswego 315-342-8155 OSWEGO FIRE DEPARTMENT & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 35 East Cayuga Street, Oswego 315-343-2161 OSWEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 169 West Second Street, Oswego 315-342-8120 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 114 Mitchell Street, Oswego 315-342-4212 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CONTROL & ANIMAL SHELTER 621 East Seneca Street, Oswego 315-343-1803
OSWEGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE 349 East River Road, Oswego 315-349-8300 OSWEGO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 70 Bunner Street, Oswego 315-349-3545 OSWEGO COUNTY COMBINED COURTS 25 East Oneida Street, Oswego 315-207-7500 OSWEGO COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING 39 Churchill Road, Oswego 315-349-3302
Explore.
Children’s Museum of Oswego Incorporated in 2013, The Children’s Museum of Oswego (CMOO) was founded by a group of Oswego residents desiring to expand the educational and recreational opportunities available to the children of Oswego County and surrounding communities. The Children’s Museum of Oswego seeks to be a year-round place for fun, safe, and educational play. CMOO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department. The Children Museum of Oswego’s mission is to establish a non-profit children’s museum in the City of Oswego for the benefit of children, families, educators, and caregivers in our community. The museum will house a variety of interactive exhibits designed to promote physical and intellectual development. Exhibits will focus on aspects of current and historical local significance, imaginative play, the arts, science, and mathematics. The Children’s Museum of Oswego also offers programs for various age groups that provide a structured learning objective such as crafts, topics in science exploration, environmental studies, music and movement, and literacy activities. In addition to creating educational opportunities, the vision of the Children’s Museum of Oswego includes enriching family values, developing environmental stewardship and civic values in the children of our community as well as providing a center to learn about healthy behaviors and engage in physical activity.
Live.Work. Explore.
Fort Ontario Fort Ontario is a historic fort situated within the City of Oswego. It is owned by the State of New York and operated as a museum known as Fort Ontario State Historic Site. Fort Ontario is located on the East Side of the Oswego River on high ground overlooking Lake Ontario. Fort Ontario was one of several forts erected by the British to protect the area around the east end of Lake Ontario. The original Fort Ontario was erected in 1755, during the French and Indian War in order to bolster defenses already in place at Fort Oswego on the opposite side of the river. At that time its name was the “Fort of the Six Nations,” but the fort was destroyed by French forces and rebuilt by British forces in 1759. During the American Revolutionary War, a detachment from the 3rd New York Regiment destroyed the fort in July, 1778, after the British abandoned it. The British returned and rebuilt the fort in 1782. There was an aborted attack on the fort by Colonel Marinus Willet in 1783. The British held the fort after the war was over until 1796 after the signing of Jay’s Treaty. The fort was attacked and destroyed by British forces during the War of 1812 in the year 1814. After a period of disuse, new construction was undertaken in part because of tensions with Great Britain as well as to check smuggling activities between Canada and the United States. During World War II, Fort Ontario was home to approximately 982 Jewish refugees, from August 1944 to February 1946.
Oswego Speedway The Oswego Speedway, known as the “Steel Palace”, was built in 1951 when original owners Harry, George and William Caruso converted the one time Wine Creek Horse Track into a 3/8 mile dirt auto racing facility. The track was paved during 1952 and remained a 3/8 mile track until 1961 when it was enlarged to its current 5/8 mile size. The Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly race track since it opened in August of 1951. The Speedway is now in the hands of the Torrese family, which has a long-time history as both owners and drivers at the Speedway. Brothers John and Eric have helped the Speedway take on vast capital improvements, including a new 20-position scoring pylon, ticket booth area, brand new main entrance, as well as totally renovated VIP booths high atop the grandstand area. The Gary Witter Memorial rear grandstand has been updated, and the construction of the Oswego Speedway Tiki Bar and new novelty stand have been welcome additions to the Speedway since 2011. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the Indy of the East, as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock and 1969 500 champ Mario Andretti. Former Budweiser International Classic champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton have all competed at Indy in the 500, as well.
The biggest weekend of racing during the year at Oswego Speedway is Budweiser International Classic Weekend held annually on Labor Day Weekend. The weekend features the Budweiser International Classic 200 for Novelis Supermodifieds, arguably the most famous open-wheel short track event in the country. The race began in 1957 and yearly brings together the best in open-wheel asphalt racing to compete for thousands of dollars in prize money and the right to be called “Classic Champion.” Super DIRT Week
In 2017, the 46th annual NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week at Oswego Speedway was one for the ages. The five-day event at the Clay Palace was deemed one of the greatest Super DIRT Weeks in history. The event attracts 70,000 fans and competitors and contributes $12 million to the local economy and included fans from 23 states and four countries!
The Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter was the only attempt by the United States to shelter Jewish refugees during the war. After the end of the war the refugees were kept in internment because of disagreements concerning whether or not to allow them to become United States citizens. In January 1946, the decision was made to allow them to become citizens, and by February all of the Jewish refugees were allowed to leave Fort Ontario. The restored fort is open to the public as a state historic site. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Fort Ontario is open for site tours and various events throughout the year.
Live.Work. Explore.
Theater, Music, Performing Arts The City of Oswego is well recognized for their diversity of the arts throughout the community. The Ralph Faust Performing Arts, Francis Marion Brown and SUNY Oswego Waterman Theatres provide wonderful venues for talented performers throughout the year. Additionally, the Oswego Opera, ArtOswego, Theatre DuJour, Oswego City Bands, and numerous other artists and musicians capture the spirit of this culture. Visit oswegony.org/explore/theater-performing-arts to learn more! Lighthouse Tours
Safe Haven Museum Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum is dedicated to keeping alive the stories of the 982 refugees from World War II who were allowed into the United States as “guests” of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Oswego Safe Haven was actually the only place in the United States to refuge individuals fleeing from the Holocaust during World War II. These refugees were housed at Fort Ontario in Oswego, from August 1944 until February 1946. The Safe Haven Museum is open for tours and hosts various events throughout the year. H. Lee White Maritime Museum The H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego was founded in 1982 and is located at the end of West First Street Pier in Oswego, and is situated within the Oswego Harbor and Oswego’s Historic Maritime District. The Maritime Museum offers educational programming, museum tours, history lecture series and hosts several fun and unique events throughout the year. Richardson-Bates House Museum Founded in 1896, the Oswego County Historical Society has preserved and promoted the history of the greater Oswego area for more than 100 years. In 1946, the historical society received a generous gift of a historic 19th century Italian Villa to serve as the permanent headquarters for a public museum. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the Richardson-Bates House offers a unique glimpse of the lifestyle of a wealthy and prominent Oswego family, as well as a museum dedicated to interpreting the history of the people and places in Oswego County through exhibits and educational programs.
The Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse was built to improve upon and replace the existing lights of Oswego’s harbor in 1934. The Lighthouse, still an active aid to navigation for Lake Ontario sailors, is representative of the City of Oswego and its rich maritime history, culture and heritage. In 2000 the Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006 the structure was deemed excess and made available, and in 2009 was acquired by the City of Oswego from the United States Coast Guard to continue serving as a historic and cultural symbol of the City. In 2010 the Oswego Lighthouse Development Committee was formed to plan the restoration efforts. Restoration of the interior began in 2013 and with the help of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum has been ongoing since with the repair of the plastered walls, painting and the installation of a usable head for volunteer workers. Boat tours to the lighthouse and tours of the lighthouse are now available through the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. Fishing Lake Ontario and the Oswego River Lake Ontario offers a world-class fishing experience. The shoreline of Lake Ontario is known to attract bass, trout and perch. The summer fishing season is busy with massive Salmon and multiple fishing charters are based out of Oswego’s Wright’s Landing Marina and the Oswego Port Authority Marina providing Oswego residents and visitors with a once in a lifetime fishing experience. Oswego Wright’s Landing Marina Oswego Wright’s Landing Marina is a City of Oswego owned and operated marina for boats of all sizes with water, power and Wi-Fi accessibility right in the Oswego Harbor. Wright’s landing also has canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals along with public bathrooms, a picnic area, Harbor walking trail and public facilities for all boaters and marina users.
Live.Work. Explore.
Major Events & Things To Do
Major Events & Things To Do
Harborfest
Annual Independence Day Fourth of July Celebration
Harborfest is a four-day festival scheduled for the last full weekend in July and typically brings over 100,000 people on an annual basis to the City of Oswego.
The City of Oswego hosts a massive Fourth of July Independence Day Parade Celebration starting at the Oswego High School and proceeding down State Route 104. The Independence Day Parade is one of the longest parades in Central New York featuring floats, judging contests and activities in Washington Square Park. The parade turns down East Seventh Street ending at Fort Ontario. The Fourth of July ends with a concert and activities at Breitbeck Park and a firework display viewable from Breitbeck Park and Fort Ontario.
Since its founding in 1988, Harborfest has brought to its stages more than 600 national, regional and local performing artists on an admission free basis. Every year the small part-time staff and a volunteer board of directors work hard to provide quality entertainment and memorable experiences for people of all ages from the arts and crafts venue at River Walk East, the Jazz and Blues Stage in Washington Square Park (East Park), the Veteran’s Stage at River Walk West, the Children’s Park in Franklin Square Park (West Park), the Midway on the north end of West First Street, the Lakeview Stage at Breitbeck Park and the world famous Grucci Fireworks display in the harbor.
Porchfest A community building annual event where over 40 local musicians perform on residents’ front porches throughout the Historic Franklin Square Neighborhood. Oswego Summer Concert Series The Oswego Summer Concert Series is a party every Thursday night at Veteran’s Stage Park along the Oswego River! The weekly event runs from 6-9 pm and consists of a diverse series of concerts from the end of June through August, allowing folks from every generation an opportunity to get outside, enjoy the weather and sing and dance to some great live music. Oswego Downtown Farmers’ Market Every Thursday night from June through October you can find food vendors, farmers, crafters, activities and entertainment for all ages at the Farmers’ Market along West First Street. The Farmers’ Market is a community oriented event showcasing the finest produce, food, drinks and culture from the Central New York region.
Visit our Year-Round Calendar at: http://oswegony.org/explore/community-events-calendar
City of Oswego Resident Recruitment Initiative an initiative by Oswego Mayor William J. Barlow and the City of Oswego in collaboration with: Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Center State CEO Exelon Novelis Oswego Health SUNY Oswego Step One Creative
Live.Work. Explore.
www.oswegony.org