Ellis Island Favorites

Favorite thing: When are you here and listen to some of the tours guides you will learn so much. I learned a lot just from the web site the National Park Services has. A interesting fact: Although most immigrants processed at Ellis Island stayed between three and five hours, about 20% stayed overnight in dormitory rooms until their cases could be cleared. Many immigrants found these accommodations a far improvement from the dreaded conditions of traveling to America in "steerage".

National Park Service,
Statue of Liberty National Monument,
Liberty Island, NY, NY 10004.
Attn: Superintendent.
212 363-3200
Ellis Island

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Favorite thing: For the most part, these parks are wheelchair accessible. They have wide sidewalks to stroll the grouns and to enjoy the scenery. Make sure to check the areas that are not. Contact the either the National Park Ranger or U.S. Park Police Officer.

Statue Cruises
info@statuecruises.com
877-LADY TIX (877.523.9849) can tell you more information.

There is a limited number of wheelchairs are available at both Liberty and Ellis Island (on a first-come, first-served basis). Wheelchair guests with a Monument Access Pass will be able to visit the lobby, museum and Fort Wood promenade level.

Pets are usually not allowed on the ferry system or in the park unless there are official assistant animals.

LARGE PRINT brochures are available only on request.

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Favorite thing: There is so much more to this historic island. Ellis Island's contains nearly 30 buildings that are unrestored. These structures included hospitals, quarantine and psychopathic facilities for immigrants needing treatment or isolation. The U.S. Public Health Service used these facilities during the station's operation. So hopefully in the future there will more to visit here and to explore someday!

Current Park Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM. Hours are adjusted seasonally and during holiday periods and weekends.

Liberty and Ellis Islands are open daily except December 25th.

Our highest visitation occurs during the months of June through September. Visitation can be high during holiday and weekend periods throughout the year. Access to facilities at both Liberty Island and Ellis Islands can be limited prior to the final ferry departure. Please allow for ferry transportation time in your schedule.

(212) 363-3200. Current ferry schedules

Favorite thing: Among the exhibits at Ellis Island you will find modern interpretations of the immigrant experience, such as the sculptures pictured here. At the time of my visit, there was a show by the painter Ralph Fasanella, whose work reminds me of Grandma Moses' artwork.

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Favorite thing: One of my favorite places on Ellis Island was the wall of names. It is outside of the actual museum and contains names of previous immigrants. Unfortunately the piece of wall that my ancestors were on was under renovation:( The views from this part of the island are spectaculor. You can see Manhattan and the harbor and it is very beautiful.

Fondest memory: The old furniture and items on display were saved as is. The dust was not even wiped off and it appears that the things were just placed in the glass case untouched. What stories these things must tell!

Fondest memory: There was this absolutely beautiful wedding dress on display, which was brought over by an Italian immigrant, along with shoes. All the items in the display are numbered so that you can read the country the item came from and its description. Very helpful and informative, with many interesting items!

Favorite thing: I really can't say enough what an impact these pictures will have on you! This photo shows a woman carrying piecework on her head in NYC's garment district at the turn of the century. My mom did similar work in factories in the late sixties, along with other Italian women.