Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island · New York Harbor, USA
Between 1892 and 1954 about 12 million immigrants were inspected on this small island before setting foot in America.
Know before you go
- Don't make noise in the memorial areas
- don't push in at security or in the ferry queue
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Inspection on the 'Island of Tears'
Between 1892 and 1954 about 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island. After disembarking they underwent medical examinations and questioning; those suspected of illness were held in the island's hospital, and some were sent back. The first inspection station opened in 1892 and burned down five years later; the second, opened in 1900, is today's immigration museum. For those turned away it was the 'Island of Tears'. By some estimates, two in five Americans may be descended from these immigrants.
Source: Wikipedia: Ellis Island
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Ellis Island was once America's busiest immigration station. Between 1892 and 1954, about 12 million immigrants arriving through New York Harbor were inspected here; by some estimates, two in five Americans may be their descendants. The first station opened in 1892 and burned down in 1897; the second opened in 1900, with medical isolation and immigration review facilities. Immigrants underwent medical examinations and initial questioning and could be detained or deported. Today the National Museum of Immigration occupies the north side of the island, and the immigrant hospital on the south side can be visited on a guided tour.
Local customs
Many American families come here to look up their ancestors' arrival records
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't make noise in the memorial areas
- don't push in at security or in the ferry queue
Locals appreciate DO
Americans appreciate visitors who read the immigrant stories quietly in the galleries.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | First boat in the morning |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
Travel tips
- You can only get there by the official ferry, which also stops at Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, so see both in one day
- there's security screening before boarding, so arrive early at the pier
- the museum has genealogy records you can search
Sources & verification notes
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