Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is a living memorial to the immigrants who passed through its doors. It is located in New York Harbor and is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of immigration to the United States, from the early 1700s to the present day. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and programs to help visitors learn about the immigrant experience.
History of Ellis Island
Ellis Island was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954. During this time, more than 12 million immigrants were processed at the facility. The island was originally home to the Lenape Native Americans and was known as Kioshk or Gull Island. In the late 1700s, it was purchased by Samuel Ellis, who owned it until it was purchased by the federal government in 1808. Ellis Island was used as a military fort during the War of 1812 and then as a munitions depot until 1890. In 1892, it was designated as the federal immigration station and began processing immigrants.
Exhibits
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and artifacts that help visitors learn about the immigrant experience. The Peopling of America Center is the centerpiece of the museum and features a wall of honor with the names of more than 700,000 immigrants who passed through Ellis Island. The center also has a variety of interactive displays and multimedia presentations. The museum also features the American Family Immigration History Center, which allows visitors to trace their own family’s immigration history. Other exhibits include the Great Hall, which is the main hall of the immigration station, and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which features the names of more than 600,000 immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
Programs
In addition to the museum’s exhibits, the museum offers a variety of programs to help visitors learn about the immigrant experience. The museum offers guided tours, lectures, and workshops that explore the history of immigration to the United States. The museum also offers special programs for children, including scavenger hunts and craft activities. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the annual Ellis Island Immigration Day Festival and the Ellis Island Family History Fair.
Accessibility
The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The museum offers wheelchairs, audio tours, and other accommodations to help visitors with special needs. The museum also has a wheelchair-accessible elevator to the second floor of the museum.
Hours and Admission
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Visitors can purchase tickets for the ferry to the island at the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park. Visitors can also purchase tickets online or at the museum’s ticket office.
Conclusion
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is a living memorial to the immigrants who passed through its doors. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and programs to help visitors learn about the immigrant experience. The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities and admission is free. Visitors can purchase tickets for the ferry to the island at the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park or online. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.