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__ ELLIS ISLAND __



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ELLIS ISLAND: A NEW BEGINNING

Ellis Island today is the home of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. From 1892 to 1954 the island was the Headquarters of the Immigration and Naturalization district of the United States and was known as the “Gateway to America.” More than 12 million immigrants arrived via steamship during the 19th & 20th centuries, all searching for freedom and opportunity. It closed in 1954 but was reopened to the public on a limited basis between 1976 and 1984. At that time, it underwent a major renovation and restoration. The Main Building was once again open to the public in September 1990. Today, Ellis Island serves as a historic museum to millions of visitors searching for a gateway into the past as opposed to the millions of immigrants who visited Ellis Island as the gateway to their future.

Ellis Island is a twenty-seven acre site, the land is very flat and it sits just a few feet above the high tide mark. It is located just a few minute ferry ride off the southern tip of Manhattan Island, New York. In order to access Ellis Island one must arrive at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. Here, you must pass through a security-screening checkpoint and wait on line for a boat to take you across the bay. Once on board the time of departure is announced as the captain blasts the horn. The people visiting are of all nationalities and cultures all with cameras and camcorders in hand. Everyone is dressed like a comfortable tourist - baseball caps, sunglasses, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers and a backpack. While en route, in the shadows of the museum, you pass the magnificent Statue of Liberty and admire her in all her glory as the sea gulls play in the wind high above. She stands very tall and everyone rushes to the right side of the boat to photograph Lady Liberty. If you listen close, you can hear everyone in unison gasp in amazement. Smiles all around, parents lifting their children in their arms for a better view and an older gentleman with his right hand over his heart. The excitement settles as the ferryboat docks, the skippers throw a rope to land and all the people rush towards the door and wait to disembark down a steel ramp. As you wait your turn to go ashore there is a large queue of exhausted looking people waiting to board the ferry and return to Manhattan.



At first glance, it looks like a park with trees and birds with a brick building located directly in front. You can hear the waves breaking softly. Though, once the ferry shoves off, you can look across the way and see an old abandoned prison like buildings. This gives the place a very eerie vibe. Once you enter the building, you can’t help but notice the architecture, the vaulted ceilings and certain rooms have been restored to its early twentieth century appearance. There are various exhibits spread over 40,000 square feet and three floors. You can sense the excitement and energy from the visitors and know you are about to witness something really unique.

Upon entering the Main Building on the ground floor you are what’s considered the baggage room. Here you will see the styles of dated suitcases and trunks that people used to carry their belongings.

One of the most interested aspects the tour is viewing these artifacts, which seem ancient now. You are the then greeted by a grand stairwell and are led to an enormous empty room. This used to be referred to as the “Great Hall” and was used by US Inspectors to process each immigrant. Huge windows allow the sunlight to shine through. As you lift your eyes up you will see two American flag hanging high above. You can sit and touch the original desks and benches. The wood feels aped and course. The dormitory rooms on the second and third floors were interesting to observe. Men and women were separated. Some rooms had bunks others cots but you could see how claustrophobic it is. The money exchange booth was wooden and various soft and hard currencies of the world were on display. All of a sudden, I noticed many people were taking photos kissing one another and laughing. Behind them on the wall read, “the kissing post”. After an immigrant was granted their papers this is the place where they reconnected with family and loved ones. It had a special aura about it.



The most amazing part of Ellis Island for me personally was the American Family Immigration Center, which opened in 2001. It’s a cross between a nice bookstore and a quiet library with several computers. Here you can search for your family’s history, using access to passenger records for the twenty two million + people who passed through Ellis Island from 1892-1924. You have access to copies of the original ship manifests and pictures of the boat the immigrant came over on. By chance, I discovered that my great, great grandfather came through Ellis Island. From here he went to Boston, MA and moved to New Hampshire. This was the biggest shock to my family and I could not hold back the tears. Others in the room were in the same position. They also must have found who they were looking for based on our shared expressions and mannerisms.



I walked outdoors towards the outer perimeter. The sky was blue and there was a real sense of tranquility came over me. To my right to see people were very emotional. Some people crying, I could hear people sniffling with tissues in hand, and others embracing or comforting a friend or family member. At the outer perimeter of the building there is a long stonewall. I noticed people using their index fingers scrolling downward the face. Their facial expression looked serious like they were concentrating. Some people were laying flowers on the ground, others with a white piece of paper over the stone with a pencil. An older was speaking softly to a young girl trying to explain what they were looking at. This is the American Immigration Wall of Honor, similar to a war memorial. It serves to honor those who immigrated through this port. I was surprised and deeply touched to see over 700,000 names inscribed.

This is a very personal experience for many people and through the tour you will see many patrons become exceptionally emotional. As I waited in the long line to board the ferry back to Manhattan I couldn’t help but notice everyone was silent as they tried to process what they just experienced. You understand the idea that these people came to this country believing in the promise of a better life. Their brave sacrifices have given their future generations the freedoms we have today. It is an awe-inspiring place to immerse your self in. Nothing can compare.