| Ellis Island | ||
General Web |
Location : Ellis
Island ( ferry from Battery Point ) Over half of the American population can trace some
descendant to Ellis Island. The Island served as one of the country's main immigration
depots. The island processes immigrants from 1892 until 1954 and during this time almost
17 million people passed through the doors. More than half of these people migrated to
other States with America while the remainder stayed in the New York and surrounding area.
To visit Ellis Island you will need to purchase a ferry
ticket. Tickets are available from inside Castle Clinton, located in Battery Park at the
very southern tip of Manhattan. The single round trip ticket will travel firstly to the Statue of Liberty and then to Ellis Island. Ferries leave every 30
- 45 minutes from the docks just outside Castle Clinton. Once you enter the main entrance you will find all the
information you need to really experience the museum. To the left as you enter is the
information desk that carries maps and helpful rangers to point you in the right
direction. You will also find a self guided audio tour ( $3 ) that uses many former
residents to take you through the museum, this is one of the best ways to experience the
real "feel" of the place. Also available are guided tours that commence at
regular intervals from the help desk. Also at the information desk you will tickets ( not
always necessary ) to documentaries and films that are shown throughout the day on this
and the second floors.
Here you will the most interesting of the exhibits. "Through America's Gate" takes the visitor step by step through the process of entering into America. You will experience the vast series of tests - physical, mental, financial, criminal and more that most immigrants passed through. You will also find out what happened to individual who failed any stages of these evaluations. Each step encompassed many photos, drawings, illustrations and documentation as well as real life experiences of those who passed through. At the other end of the Great Hall, "Peak Immigration Years" will tell the visitor behind the cultural changes that mass migration made upon the United States, especially New York. Here you will find both the positive and negative effects of mass immigration and the reaction to it. It gives the visitor an idea of how the policy of immigration changed over the years. Here you will find various exhibits including ones such as "Treasures from Home" examples of what different nationalities and cultures brought with them to the new land, as well as a fascinating exhibit detailing the history of Ellis Island from first occupancy until today. One of the most interesting and haunting exhibits details through photographs and experiences what the island was like after it was abandoned and deserted for thirsty years before its restoration. The third floor also extensively details the restoration process and the work involved saving the structures and returning them to their former glory.. Ellis Island is one of the best "experience" type
museums of its type. It contains extensive details about all aspects of the island and its
history. Most of the exhibits require extensive reading and slow progress through to
really comprehend. There is also a documentary that screen throughout the day "Island
of Hope, Island of Tears" that gives visitors and excellent introduction as to the
function of the Island as an immigration station. |
