Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum
Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum offers great views and green space along with a look back into the experiences of early immigrants
Almost half of Americans are descended from the 12 million migrants that passed through first Federal immigration assessment station on Ellis Island hoping to achieve the "American Dream". To preserve this fundamental piece of shared history, Ellis Island was gazetted as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965.
After undergoing a major restoration, the processing halls where immigrants underwent legal and medical examinations were transformed into the Ellis Island Immigration Museum by the National Park Service to educate visitors about this national gateway.
Ellis Island is situated in New York Harbour and is only accessible by ferry, departing from Battery Park. Arrive early to avoid the lines; waiting times can exceed an hour during peak periods. Concessions are available on the island, but a more cost effective and appetizing option is to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the ample green space on Ellis Island. It is possible to book a ferry tour that visits both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in one day, but it is an ambitious undertaking.
The museum offers a variety of ranger guided tours, interactive performances, self-guided audio tours and a short film, which all give a good introduction to the immigrant experience on Ellis Island. Shutterbugs will enjoy the "Silent Voices" photographic exhibition chronicling the years Ellis Island was abandoned in the mid 20th century. The Ellis Island Junior Ranger program distributes a free children's activity booklet available from the information booth.
From March to October, free monthly genealogy workshops are offered on Ellis Island. Archives are housed in the American Family Immigration Center and you can research your ancestry on their website or in the center's research room. Genealogy enthusiasts will want to pack a pencil and paper to take rubbings of their family names listed on the Wall of Honor.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: Ellis Island, United States
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Ferry | 4 minutes |
| N or R | Whitehall Street | 5 minutes |
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 5 minutes |
How to get to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum by Subway
Take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left into Battery Park or take the N or R train to Whitehall Street, head north toward Pearl Street, turn left on Bridge Street, follow path into park or take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head south on Broadway, turn right on Battery Place, turn left on Greenwich Street and continue into park.
Look for the Statue Cruise Ticket Office which is located inside the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park.
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Reviews
Rated out of 5
What a fascinating place, steeped in history & quite tear-jerking at times. Beautiful island, intriguing architecture & a place I’m eager to take my husband to visit.
Lady Lennard - 1 hour ago
What a fascinating place, steeped in history & quite tear-jerking at times. Beautiful island, intriguing architecture & a place I’m eager to take my husband to visit.
When I began looking into the sights of New York, I had chosen not to include Ellis Island as I believed it wouldn't be something that I'd enjoy. However, as it was included as part of my trip to The Statue Of Liberty, I made the trip over. Unfortunately, I found my initial thoughts to be correct, and after 20-30 minutes, I found myself getting a little bored. Despite this, there were parts of the exhibit that I did find to be of interest - as you enter the exhibition building, turn left to see and read facts, figures and information about modern immigration. You can even attempt to take a mock American citizenship test - we passed!
Dale-icious - 6 days ago
When I began looking into the sights of New York, I had chosen not to include Ellis Island as I believed it wouldn't be something that I'd enjoy.
However, as it was included as part of my trip to The Statue Of Liberty, I made the trip over.
Unfortunately, I found my initial thoughts to be correct, and after 20-30 minutes, I found myself getting a little bored. Despite this, there were parts of the exhibit that I did find to be of interest - as you enter the exhibition building, turn left to see and read facts, figures and information about modern immigration. You can even attempt to take a mock American citizenship test - we passed!
Brandon Nova - 7 days ago
Awatif Alshammary - 1 month ago
Nafisa Noor - 2 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Discovering the History of Immigration into America cc licensed photo by Son of Groucho -
Next stop : Ellis Island cc licensed photo by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view -
61888-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva -
Here they came cc licensed photo by julienmagne -
61959-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva -
Entrance to Immigration Museum cc licensed photo by daveynin -
61993-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva -
American flag cc licensed photo by MRiallant -
62017-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva -
61977-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva -
61964-New-York cc licensed photo by xiquinhosilva
