After visiting Liberty Island and Lady Liberty, we hopped on another ferry and headed to Ellis Island. Lori wanted to visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and it was quite an interesting few hours.
Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. From 1892 to 1954, this immigrant depot processed the greatest tide of incoming humanity in the nation’s history. Nearly twelve million landed here in their search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity.
The Circle Line ferry.
A sneak peak at Ellis Island from the ferry.
The Staten Island Ferry
More than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.
The Staten Island FerryMore than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.
The hall today.
From 1918-1919, the US Army had control of the buildingand used it as a hospital ward for soldiers.
Immigrants were asked to copy geometrical shapes to determine who knew how to write, and who was even used to holding a pencil. The diamonds were drawn by illiterate Slavic and Italian immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30. The top rows were drawn by immigrants who had never even held a pencil before.
We researched our families names in the immigration database.
Our first peek, from the ferry!
