Historic Ellis Island is a place where people come to honor those family members who made the arduous journey cross the Atlantic to a new life in America. Today the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is under the care of the National Parks Service.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, has come to symbolize New York City’s and America’s proud tradition of opening its arms. Lady Liberty and her towering copper torch was among the first things new arrivals saw as their ships pulled in at Ellis Island from 1892 through 1954. In this solemn place, visitors can spend hours learning about Ellis Island’s history before, during, and after its use as an immigration station. They can even research their own lineage to see if their ancestors passed through. To guarantee your chance to experience these national treasures, be sure to purchase tickets in advance through the web site or at the ticket box offices near ferry departure points in NYC and in New Jersey.
Visit: 17 Battery Place #210, New York, NY 10004-3507, 212-561-4588; libertyellisfoundation.org