Millions of Americans and people around the world have ancestors who came through Ellis Island. The Main Immigration Building was the epicenter of one of the greatest migrations in modern history. Today, Ellis Island is a memorial to all who pursued the American dream and have made this nation their adopted home.
Ellis Island Museum of Immigration
Over 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island during the peak years of 1892-1924, most through this building which opened in 1900.
Ellis Island's Registry Room
The Registry Room, also known as the Great Hall, is where millions of immigrants were inspected. They were required to pass both a medical and legal inspection before being allowed to enter the United States.
Ellis Island Museum of Immigration
Visitors to the museum today arrive by ferry, just like immigrants did a century ago.
Replica Inspection Desk in the Registry Room
Inspectors at Ellis Island would conduct the legal examination from behind desks like these a century ago.
Bird's Eye View of Ellis Island
Ellis Island was expanded from just a couple acres to over 30 to make room for a large immigration processing station, that included a state of the art hospital complex.
