Ellis Island Day
An historic gateway where countless dreams embarked, welcoming diverse stories from distant lands and shaping the American tapestry.
Inspire heritage tourism and family history discovery by positioning Ellis Island Day as a gateway to personal immigration stories and New York City experiences.
- Share your family's Ellis Island story: Did your ancestors pass through? Tag us in your heritage photos.
- Plan your pilgrimage: Ferry tickets, museum tours, and Statue of Liberty combos for January travel.
- 12 million stories, one island: Interactive timeline of immigrant journeys and historical facts.
- Ancestry meets adventure: Book your Ellis Island + NYC package this January.
Previously used for somewhat gritty purposes, such as an execution site for pirates or as a military ammunition post for the US Navy during the War of 1812, Ellis Island has been through a number of purposes. In the 1770s, it was owned by a man named Samuel Ellis, who built a tavern on it and called it Oyster Island, just like the previous Dutch settlers had. The island was eventually sold to New York State, and then to the US government in the 1800s.
With the federal immigration center on Ellis Island opening on the 1st of January in 1892, this day certainly has a great deal of meaning for a wide range of people who have immigrated to the United States. In its 62 year history of use, Ellis Island processed more than twelve million immigrants who were moving into the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, so many people came through during those years that close to 40% of current US citizens can trace one of their relatives back to Ellis Island.
By 1954, the immigration center was considered too expensive to run and it finally closed on November 12 of that year. By the 1980s, the buildings had been turned into the National Immigration Museum and came into operation. The iconic great hall was carefully restored to its originally look from a century prior.
In late December 1991, just prior to the 100th anniversary of Ellis Island, US President George H. W. Bush made a proclamation for the founding of National Ellis Island Day!
Plan a Visit to Ellis Island and New York
One excellent way to pay homage to Ellis Island Day might be to plan a trip to New York City and visit the island in person. The island can only be accessed by ferry, with tickets and tours that can be arranged online through the official website of the National Park Service. Also, the American Family History Immigration Center, which is located at the museum on Ellis Island, offers access to families who want to conduct family history research and discovery. While visiting the National Immigration Museum, why not add in a little visit to Liberty Island to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty herself? It’s only a short ferry ride away. Learn Interesting Facts About Ellis IslandHave loads of fun celebrating and raising awareness about Ellis Island Day by learning some interesting facts and then sharing them with friends or family members. Check out and share some of these fascinating bits of trivia that go along with the topic of Ellis Island:Ellis Island is more than 800% larger than its original size. Originally 3.3 acres, it was expanded with dirt to keep up with the demand and now sits at around 27.5 acres.About 2% of people trying to immigrate were denied entry into the US, due to concerns about illness, declining mental health or other reasons. They were detained and then the shipping company was required to return them to their original port.In 1897, just five years after Ellis Island began accepting immigrants, a fire destroyed the buildings as well as records. The island was rebuilt and usage continued in 1900.While Ellis Island is usually associated with New York, a dispute has gone on for years because it sits in water that is technically owned by New Jersey. In 1998, the Supreme Court gave part of the island (the filled in part) to New Jersey and the other original few acres to New York.
Trace Your Family History
Since a big chunk of Americans can trace their ancestors back to this island, Ellis Island Day might be a fun time to do a bit of research on family history and ancestry. Of course, it can be done right there on Ellis Island, but those who can’t make a trip to do the research can still certainly find out all kinds of interesting things about their family tree from the past. Through online sites, whether free or paid, people can plug in the information they already have and then find access to all sorts of related information through census records, government documents and much more. Once this information has been compiled, it can be shared with other family members who can collaborate on finding a complete family history. It’s an exciting way to delve into the past and also share this history with future generations to come! Ellis Island Day FAQsWhat is Ellis Island?Ellis Island was the main immigration center for the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now it houses the National Museum of Immigration.Where is Ellis Island?Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor, as part of New York City.[1]Is the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island?The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, a short ferry ride from Ellis Island in New York Harbor.[1]When did Ellis Island open?Ellis Island was opened on January 1, 1892.[1]Can you drive to Ellis Island?No, Ellis Island can only be reached by ferry.[1]