Between 1892 and 1954
Ellis Island, former gateway to the United States, welcomed 12 million immigrants who entered the United States from through the New York Harbor. In 1990, the long unused buildings were restored and the Immigration Museum was born, saving the memories and heritage of over 100 million Americans who can trace their immigrant roots here. The Immigrant museum offers visitors a chance to see what coming to America meant through film, archives, photos, recordings and the aura of the Great Hall. Don't miss the Immigrant Wall of Honor, a circular monument containing 200,000 names commemorated by their ancestors.
Ellis Island is accessible by ferry from
Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.