The "Peopling of America" exhibit
nps photo - v. scott Exhibit panels in the new Peopling of America exhibit Phase 1 of the updated "Journeys: The Peopling of America" exhibit opened in late October 2011. This exhibit, occupying the former "Railroad Ticketing Office" on the first floor of Ellis Island's Main Building, explores immigration to this land from the 17th century to 1892, when Ellis Island opened as America's first federal immigration station. Themes such as "Leaving", "Struggle and Survival", and "Building A Nation" are touched upon in graphic panels and through first-person stories. The second phase of this expanded exhibit, scheduled to open in 2013, will discuss immigration after Ellis's closure in 1954, and bring this story up to the present-day. 
Ellis Island Railroad Ticketing Office 1902-1913
New York Public Library - Public Domain
NPS PHOTO - V. Scott The "Peopling of America" exhibit blocked off for renovation As of Monday, March 14, 2011, the "Peopling of America" exhibit, located in the old Railroad Ticketing Office, is closed for renovation. Over the next few months, the displays in this exhibit will be replaced and updated as needed. |
Did You Know?
During the island's 62 years of operation, over 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island, including those who have become notable in society such as: Frank Capra, Bela Lugosi, Baron Von Trapp, Irving Berlin, Max Factor, Xavier Cugat, Rudolph Valentino, Igor Sikorsky and Bob Hope.