• Immigrants awaiting inspection in front of Ellis Island's Main Building

    Ellis Island

    Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument NJ,NY

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  • Ellis Island Closed Until Further Notice

    As of May 2013: Due to the conditions caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum will be closed until further notice. A projected reopening date has not yet been established, follow our twitter account for updates. More »

Island of Hope, Island of Tears Documentary Film

Visiting Ellis Island

Update as of March 20, 2013: Due to extensive damage sustained during Hurricane Sandy, Ellis Island is closed indefinitely. Statue of Liberty will re-open on July 4, 2013.

 
Island of Hope, Island of Tears Poster; includes film details and a photo of an immigrant family during their journey.

Island of Hope, Island of Tears Poster

Students of all ages can watch "Island of Hope, Island of Tears." This award-winning documentary film reveals why and how millions of immigrants journeyed across the world to Ellis Island, hoping for a better life for themselves and their descendants. This free program, which includes a 15-minute ranger talk followed by the 30-minute documentary, begins at 11:00 and 12:00 and is strictly limited to 140 people (127 students max, along with their 13 adult chaperones). Other unreserved times may also be available.

You can access this film online at www.archive.org/details/gov.ntis.ava15996vnb1 to prepare for the visit and can even have your students watch this film in preparation for the field trip.

While this program does not have a formal Teacher's Guide, the following questions can help students begin to think about immigration a century ago. Please note that the theater is completely dark when the film is playing; we do not recommend that students be expected to physically answer questions on a worksheet during the film.

  • What conditions would make you want to leave your home forever?
  • If you had to carry everything you were bringing along, what would you pack?
  • What kinds of tests would you have to pass to be able to enter the United States as an immigrant?
  • If you didn't speak English, how would you get to your final destination?
  • Where would you go in the United States? Why?
  • What would you do for work in the United States? Why?

Additional ideas for introducing immigration and Ellis Island to your students may be found under "Curriculum Materials."

Did You Know?

Southside of Ellis Island

Ellis Island's south side contains 25 buildings that are mostly unrestored.  These structures included general hospitals, isolation and psychiatric facilities for immigrants needing treatment or isolation.  The U.S. Public Health Service staffed these facilities during the station's operation. More...