Ellis Island

“America’s Golden Door” – for generations of immigrants streaming into New York from all over the globe, Ellis Island was the final gateway to a promising new world.  Some consider it “sacred ground.”  Located just south of Manhattan in New York Harbor, Ellis Island served as a United States Immigration Station from 1892 to 1952.  All immigrants arriving by stream ship to New York (the nation’s primary entry point) were brought to the island for inspection and processing before being allowed to enter the country.  Over 12 million people passed through Ellis Island.

Ellis Island: 1905

This vital piece of American history (and for millions of Americans, personal history) is now a National Park, beautifully restored and maintained by the National Park Service.

Visit

The only way to reach Ellis Island is by a ferry that leaves from Battery Park on the tip of Manhattan. (Subway: #1 to South Ferry, #4 or 5 to Bowling Green, R or W to Whitehall Street)  Ferries depart Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ as well.  Ferries leave every 30 minutes 9:30am - 3:30pm (subject to change/expanded hours in Summer).  The ferry stops at the Statue of Liberty/Liberty Island (just south of the island) before continuing to Ellis Island.  Ferries then return to Manhattan (the final leaving Ellis Island at 5:15pm).  Passengers can get off at each destination, or remain onboard to continue to the next.  Ferry schedules are posted at both destinations.  Check the ferry website, or call the Park Information Line: (212) 363-3200.

Admission to the park is free.  However, tickets must be purchased for the ferry.  Be advised there is security screening prior to boarding, and large bags or luggage, pets, and anything deemed a weapon are not permitted on the ferry.

Following in the footsteps of the immigrants, you’ll depart the boat and enter the Main Building, where you’ll find a display of luggage and cases brought by new arrivals.  To the left is the main Information Desk offering brochures and maps (available in several languages), screening times for the 45-minute documentary film, “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” (worth seeing), and a schedule of free Park Ranger Tours.  The desk is manned by very helpful Rangers.  To the right is a desk where Audio Tours (available in 9 languages) can be rented for $8.00.

This level includes a permanent exhibition called “Journeys: The Peopling of America 1550-1890,” the theater showing the documentary, and the interactive “Flag of Faces,” a large video installation filled with images submitted by individuals of their families, their ancestors, or even themselves.  The exhibit accepts photo submissions and can also be viewed online.  To the right is a good Cafeteria, as well as a Gift Shop and restrooms.  Behind the Information Desk is the Family Immigration History Center, which provides visitors with computer and multimedia technology, as well as professional assistance for investigating immigration history, family documentation, and genealogical exploration.  Watch a video about the Center, or click here to search records online.

Ellis Island legal examination

Continue the immigrants’ path up the stairs (elevators are available at either end of the building) to the “Great Hall,” where millions of hopefuls waited to be interviewed by Inspectors at the standing desks at the far end.  At the Southwest corner of this level is an intriguing exhibit, “Through America’s Gate,” which chronicles the immigrants’ experience at Ellis Island (including physical and mental examinations. Look for the long metal buttonhooks used to inspect eyelids for Trachoma.)

On the Third Floor are several fascinating and moving exhibits, including “Peak Immigration Years,” exploring the journey to America and the challenges faced upon arrival, and “Treasures from Home,” displaying prized possessions brought from homelands.  There is also an exhibit about the restoration of Ellis Island (allowed to badly decay for decades) and temporary exhibits.  Along the balcony overlooking the Great Hall you can peek into a cramped Dormitory Room, showing accommodations for immigrants compelled to remain overnight.

"Treasures From Home"

Outside the building is the “American Immigrant Wall of Honor,” which contains more than 700,000 names inscribed for posterity by family members and friends.  See here to search names or have one added to the wall.  Behind the wall is a stunning view across the harbor of the Manhattan skyline.

Allow several hours on the island to fully appreciate the enthralling and moving experience of exploring this historic treasure.

Here’s a video with some terrific images (and a schmaltzy “Titanic” soundtrack)

Ellis Island - Arrival in the New World