Ellis Island is a museum located in the United States of America in New York. It is situated in the Upper New York Bay, south of Manhattan Island and east of the New Jersey coast. It is historically significant as it was the main entry point for immigrants to the US from 1892 to 1954.
History of Ellis Island
Ellis Island was initially known as Gull Island, named after the many birds that populated the area. It was purchased by the US government in 1808 to help protect the harbor of New York City. It was not until 1890 that it was officially named Ellis Island after Samuel Ellis, a local merchant who owned the island before it was purchased by the government.
In 1892, the US government opened Ellis Island as an immigration station. Over the next 62 years, more than 12 million immigrants were processed through the station, making it one of the most important immigration centers in the US. It was closed in 1954 and in 1965 it was declared a national monument.
Ellis Island Museum
In 1990, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum was opened. The museum tells the story of Ellis Island and the immigrants who passed through it. It includes many exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that explain the experience of immigration and the history of Ellis Island. Visitors to the museum can explore the many interactive exhibits and displays, learn about the history of immigration to the US, and view the many artifacts from the time period.
What to See at the Museum
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors a variety of exhibits and displays. The main exhibits include:
- Immigrant Wall of Honor: This wall displays the names of more than 700,000 immigrants who were processed at Ellis Island.
- Family Heritage Center: This center provides visitors with the opportunity to search for their family’s immigration history.
- The Peopling of America Center: This center displays interactive exhibits about the different immigrant groups that have come to the US over the centuries.
- The American Family Immigration History Center: This center provides visitors with access to the ship passenger lists from 1820 to 1957.
Accessibility of the Museum
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The museum has wheelchair-accessible areas, audio tours for the visually impaired, and sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired. The museum also offers family-friendly activities, such as hands-on activities and tours, to help visitors learn more about the history of immigration to the US.
Location and Hours
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is located at 1 Ferry Building, New York, NY 10004. It is open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Admission to the museum is free.