While in New York this past week for meetings, I took time to visit Ellis Island. There are few words that I can share to express how moving it was, so I will instead attempt do so in photos. I hope they give you a sense of what a magical place it is – full of history and certainly full of tourists from all over the world. Here we go!
I met Julie and Irwin from France while in the very long line for Ellis Island. Sometimes lines are a gift! Julie’s stomach bug reminded me of how it takes commitment to travel. They are from outside Paris and are both in the health care profession. I enjoyed sharing my tips for a visit to NYC and hearing about their impressions of the US. I hope they will be in touch to let me know how the rest of their trip went!
No matter how many times I look at my home city, I am still in awe of the beauty of the skyline. The glass building is the Freedom Tower. This is the view from the ferry that takes you to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Seeing the faces of all the tourists was incredibly fun! They remind you of how wonderful it is to travel and see a new place, as well as how much fun it is to play tourist at home!
More than 100 million American can claim ancestors who came through Ellis Island Beginning in 1892, the majority – some 12 million – took their first steps toward becoming a US American. Today, it is a memorial to all who have made this country their home.
The ferry to Ellis Island first stops at Llberty Island. Here you will see the Statue of Liberty, constructed in Paris, France in the 1880s and proclaimed as the “Eighth marvel of the world.” From ground to the top of the torch, she is 305 feet, 1 inch tall. And she is OH so glorious!
It was a picture perfect day! Lady Liberty monitors the NY harbor as she has done since 1886, when she was the tallest structure in NYC and the tallest statue in the world!
I met this lovely Danish family on the ferry. She was wearing an Obama buttons and he was wearing a “no Romney” button. I asked them about this and they told me that they had seen a hate sign of President Obama with a Hitler mustache and it so disturbed them that they purchased these pins. They expressed their concerns about the Middle East under a Romney Presidency. The world is very aware of our upcoming elections. I really enjoyed our conversation and hope to continue it one day in Denmark or New York!
This is the entrance to the Ellis Island Museum.
In the Registry Room, inspectors questioned each individual. They were asked 29 questions. Those allowed to pass continued downstairs, exchanged money, brought provisions and perhaps a rail ticket. One third stayed in NYC. Only 1 – 2 % were denied entry.
The ceiling was beautiful!
This is from the Treasures from Home exhibit which illustrates what people chose to bring to America, despite having very limited luggage. These are musical instruments, but others chose family heirlooms such as jewelry, cooking utensils, blankets and such. What would YOU choose to pack?
These are shoes worn by children from different countries that came through Ellis Island.
Here is a ticket from Italy to Ellis Island.
During the long wait in line at Ellis Island, new Americans drew grafitti on the pillars. I am moved by the image of angst on the upper left of this image.
This is a typewriter and sign found on the Island prior to the renovation into a museum! Incredible!
The view from the ferry as we returned to Battery Park. Breathtaking!
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lizzy
I visited Ellis Island four years ago. It was a strange experience, beautiful and sad at the same time. The place it’s magical but also it made me sad to think all the difficulties and the suffering all those people went through. Definitely a visit I’ll never forget.
Missy Gluckmann
Thanks for your comment! It was like walking back into htistory – and being surrounded by different languages (the tourists) and crowds (also the tourists!) – it was surreal in many ways and yes, sad too. But I find it more sad to know how many people are denied entry these days – for me, it put that into perspective. Have you been to the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street also? I'd highly recommend it!
lizzy
Unfortunately I’ve missed that one. Thanks for the suggestion! I will certainly stop by the next time I travel to US. My grandfather was an Immigrant, but it was long after Ellis Island was closed. He stayed just few years and then he came back to Italy. I had his experience in mind during my visit to Ellis Island, this is probably the reason why I was so moved by the exhibition 🙂
Missy Gluckmann
It was very emotional as I remember my grandfather telling me stories of old NY (his father came through Ellis Island) … even the subway style tile felt familiar when I thought of his little apartment in Queens (he was the bldg's first tenant – and he never upgraded it because he was so poor!) It is an exceptional place to visit and the Tenement museum is the next part of the journey for many New Yorkers – definitely check it out when you return! It will move you deeply.
Wow Missy..what a great day for photos it was! I haven’t visited Ellis Island since I was 6 or 7 but I would love to go back now that I have a better understanding of different cultures, travel, and immigration–I’m sure it would be a very moving experience indeed. Thanks for sharing your experience. It makes me want to find out more about my grandfather who came to NYC from Hungary 🙂
Missy Gluckmann
Thanks Kyle! It was an INCREDIBLE day! You can look up info online for anyone who passed through Ellis Island at: http://www.ellisisland.org/ – hopefully your grandfather's records will be there!
My friends and I plan to visit New York this spring. This will be my first trip. I am so looking forward to see its splendor. Ellis Island will be one of the places we will visit.
Missy Gluckmann
Hi Barbara! NY is a wonderful place to visit! Be sure to check on how the damage from the hurricane will impact your trip. Try to visit the Tenement Museum also – it is a "must see" as far as I'm concerned…
