Ellis Island

1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

(212) 363-3200

www.nps.gov

Operated today by the National Park Service, Ellis Island first opened in 1892 as a federal immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years. Known as the Island of Hope, Island of Tears, millions of newly arrived immigrants who had traveled in second or third class passed through the station during that time. Upon arrival on Ellis Island, they were subjected to a health inspection and required to meet certain legal standards to gain entry. It is estimated that close to 40 percent of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island.

Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument NJ/NY, Ellis Island is home to the National Museum of Immigration, located in the main building of the former immigration station complex. Ellis Island was also the location of the largest public health hospital at the time, where immigrants who arrived sick or infirm were treated.

Visitors learn about the immigration process, the pre-Ellis Island story, in addition to the history of the numerous women workers at Ellis Island. The museum exhibits are constantly evolving!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

• Take a guided hard-hat tour of the hospital buildings
• Take a Ranger-led tour of the Main Building and Registry Hall
• Visit the vaulting Registry Hall, where immigrants were processed before entering the country
• Tour the National Museum of Immigration
• Visit the Wall of Honor, where families have inscribed the names their immigrant ancestors