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Ellis Island Closed Until Further Notice
As of June 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 »
Kudrna Family
From left to right: Jan, Anna, and Marie Kudrna in Sardice Moravia, c. 1917.
National Park Service, Statue of Liberty NM
In December of 1912, Frank Kudrna journeyed from Sardice, Moravia to America leaving behind his wife, Anna (who was expecting their second child, Marie) and son, Jan. Although Kudrna wanted to send for his family as soon as possible, the onset of World War I, which closed down most European ports from 1914 to 1919, and the First Quota Act, which curtailed immigration from Eastern Europe, prevented that reality for ten years. The separation of families characterized much of the immigration pattern during Ellis Island's years of operation. As with the Kudrna family, war and other uncontrollable events often divided family members between their home country and America. However, family objectives also led to separation. Many men came to America temporarily - they hoped to earn enough money in America so that upon their return to the old country they could improve their standard of living. Other men were intent on creating a new life in America - their families either joined them immediately or sometime afterwards. 
Marie and cooks on the R.M.S. Orbita, July 1923.
National Park Service, Statue of Liberty NM
Marie in a traditional outfit handmade by her mother, Anna, c. 1924 National Park Service, Statue of Liberty NM |
Did You Know?
Since the passage of the "Steerage Act of 1819", passenger manifests have been required for all arriving vessels to be delivered to the U.S. Government and reported to Congress. This document, used for inspection at Ellis Island, has become an important starting point in researching family history.