• 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 »

History & Culture

Welcome to Ellis Island!

From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island was America's largest and most active immigration station, where over 12 million immigrants were processed. On average, the inspection process took approximately 3-7 hours. For the vast majority of immigrants, Ellis Island truly was an "Island of Hope" - the first stop on their way to new opportunities and experiences in America. For the rest, it became the "Island of Tears" - a place where families were separated and individuals were denied entry into this country.

 

Meet some of the "PEOPLE" who helped to make up the story of Ellis Island such as the workers who kept Ellis Island running, and helped immigrants make their way into America.

 

The "PLACES" in Ellis Island's timeline show us how people have utilized this speck of land in New York Harbor for hundreds of years.

 

The "STORIES" of Ellis Island's 'unsung' immigrants speak to all of us. Read some of these stories here.

 

Our extensive "COLLECTIONS" help us learn about the histories of both Ellis and Liberty Islands through tangible objects.

 

Here are additional resources to learn more about immigration.

 

A Bibliography of books about Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

  • This Month in Ellis Island History This Month in Ellis Island History

    Interesting facts about Ellis Island Read More

  • U.S. Immigration Statistics and Population U.S. Immigration Statistics and Population

    U.S. Immigration Statistics and Population Read More

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...