Great Hall Benches (2nd Floor)

Looking down on the Great Hall benches from the 3rd Floor balcony.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Since 1912, millions of immigrants in the Great Hall waited on benches wondering if they would be allowed to enter the United States. Today, you may sit in the same place - and consider what your thoughts and feelings would be - as you awaited legal inspection. The dark benches are originals dating between 1912 and 1924. The golden benches are replicas, fabricated by New York State high school students. Learn more about the schools, the students and their benches on the park's website. Enjoy resting here and scroll ahead to the Historic Legal Inspection.

Campbell-Savona Student's Replica Bench

Six students from Campbell-Savona's Design and Build Class measured original benches to creating both drawings and CAD files in order to make their replica bench. The entire Build Class participated in fabricating, sealing and delivering their bench to Ellis Island in May 2011. This enthusiastic class donated two benches. Can you tell which ones are theirs?

Prattsburg Student's Replica Bench

Using the drawings the students of Campbell-Savona fabricated, students at Prattsburg Central School worked together to complete another bench. An extravaganza celebrating the delivery of theif bench included musical and choral presentations by the school's 135 member band and choir. This school chose to use linseed oil to seal their bench in the traditional manner. Can you tell which of the four it is?

Hammondsport Student's Replica Bench

Although delayed a year by Hurricane Sandy, students from Hammondsport Central School persevered and delivered their bench in May of 2015. They choose to make their bench the most accurate of all the replicas. Can you tell which bench is theirs?