The New Americans Museum in San Diego

PLEASE NOTE: THE NEW AMERICANS MUSEUM IN LIBERTY STATION HAS BEEN CLOSED. WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ITS REOPENING DATE.

San Diego is a more diverse region than people realize - 1 in 5 San Diego residents was born abroad. San Diego's diversity grows every year thanks to the number of foreign-born immigrants who realize just how special San Diego is. This immigrant population adds to the richness of our local culture and economy.

A visionary woman like Deborah Szekely could not deny the fact that she, an immigrant herself, had much to be thankful for as an American citizen. However, Deborah is not just someone who talks about such things, she DOES something.

Deborah had a long-standing dream of creating a space where new Americans could be honored and celebrated, not ignored and criticized. She worked on coming up with a concept, a location, and funding for several years. She was patient. Most importantly, she never gave up on her dream and she did not let anyone else forget either.

Her determination to create this special space finally led to the establishment of The New Americans Museum at the NTC Promenade (2825 Dewey Road, Suite 102) in Liberty Station. Deborah made it clear that she did not want to have a Museum that exhibited just the past.

She wanted a museum that would highlight both the historic and the contemporary experience of immigrants in America.

To this end, the New Americans Museum offers exhibits relating to the American immigrant experience as well as an oral and visual histories recording studio. The Museum also hopes to have a computer research center that will provide links to immigrant groups and study centers around the U.S.

Some may say that the New American Museum has a long way to go in terms of letting people know that they exist, but that also seems to be way of life for many new immigrants to this country. The Museum is actually in an ideal location. Every time we go to Liberty Station (the old NTC), we remember that thousands of young Navy recruits, many of them immigrants themselves, came from all over the U.S. to go to boot camp.

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to participate in all our rights and privileges... George Washington

We admit that the New Americans Museum still has some rough edges in terms of exhibit space, ease of use, and actually finding the museum. However, please keep in mind that this is still a new museum. Most other museums in San Diego have been around for decades so they have worked out the kinks.

The New Americans Museum is still a work in progress and like any new immigrant that finally gets to that citizenship ceremony, they will find their stride.

Admission to the New Americans Museum is free. The only thing the Museum asks is that you sign your name for their attendance records.

Directions: Take the I-8, the I-5, or Pacific Coast Highway to Rosecrans. Make a left onto Roosevelt. Make a left on Historic Decatur to Dewey. Free street and lot parking is plentiful and available.