Overview
Ellis Island has reopened on a limited basis. Due to the nature of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy parts of the historic Main Building and museum, including most of the exhibits, remain closed at this time. Experience the nation's Gateway to freedom, with a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, two living examples of America's commitment to freedom. At Ellis Island, visitors can relive the experience of more than 12 million immigrants who passed through its doors between 1892 and 1954. Retrace the history of the federal immigration-processing center that opened on Jan. 1, 1892.
After undergoing a massive $162 million restoration, Ellis Island today offers visitors an array of programs including a genealogy workshop, theatrical productions based on actual immigrant accounts, a learning center, a museum and a new family history research facility. In immediate proximity to Ellis Island is the Statue of Liberty, France's gift to the United States that was designed to commemorate the Centennial of American Independence in July of 1884.
Today, visitors can tour the historic statue and have access to a museum, which offers a complete history of the statue, along with a number of exhibits. The Gateway Region offers visitors an opportunity to see and experience firsthand two of the nation's premier historic sites that stand today as a living tribute to America's unyielding commitment to freedom and opportunity for all.
Ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is available from Liberty State Park, Jersey City, via Statue Cruises, www.statuecruises.com
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