New York’s Ellis Island: America’s former Immigration Central
Located in New York Harbor not far from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island was the USA’s “Immigration Central” for 62 years, processing some 12 million newcomers. Nearly 20 years ago, Ellis Island was refurbished and converted – its primary mission now to educate visitors about the immigrant experience.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum was unveiled in late 1990. Now featured are rooms that resemble the original immigration processing facilities, as well as theaters, libraries, an oral history recording studio and exhibits. In the later 1990s, the island’s governing foundation restored two additional buildings, giving the museum a complement of five structures. The museum library and oral history studio were upgraded and a children’s orientation center and the Ellis Island Living Theatre were opened.
The foundation has produced and distributed to libraries and schools a wide variety of books and guides, in addition to a CD-ROM produced in cooperation with the History Channel. Its current project is called “The Peopling of America” center and is scheduled to be completed in 2011. The Ellis Island story will be expanded to include exhibits dedicated to those who arrived before Ellis as well as those who arrived after 1954 to the present.
Visiting the museum is extremely popular with travelers coming to New York City. Especially in the summer, this can mean long waits for the ferry, but if you plan accordingly – visit weekdays and take one of the earliest morning ferries – you can avoid long lines and ensure you get the most from your island visit. In addition, since everyone visiting the island must pass through security, take the minimum you need for a day’s visit.
When you arrive, take time to watch the Gene Hackman-narrated introduction titled “Island of Hope, Island of Tears,” which features stories from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and more. Park rangers introduce you to the island and offer 45-minute guided tours.
An audio tour is available for $8 per person and is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Consult the official Ellis Island web site for further details.
Posted by Jim Brown
