Ellis Island Day

Political and economic instability, as well as religious persecution in Europe in the late 1800s brought about the largest mass migration of humans in the history of the world. And a large number of them headed in the direction of the United States. While previously the process of immigration had been handled on a state level, it became abundantly clear that the New York immigration center would not be capable of handling the load. 

In 1891, rules were changed to make immigration a federal process, and the Ellis Island Immigration Center was created in New York Harbor to meet the mass numbers of people coming into the port on ships. This center became an iconic place that, for some people, was representative of the “Island of Hope” as they moved into a new land of opportunity and experience. For others, however, it was known as the “Island of Tears” as they were denied entry and turned away for illness or other reasons.

Ellis Island, located near the Statue of Liberty, continues to be a symbol of the new lives offered to millions of people in the early 20th century. And Ellis Island Day is set aside to celebrate this symbol of the USA’s heritage of immigration!

History of Ellis Island Day

Previously used for somewhat gritty purposes, such as an execution site for pirates or as a military ammunition post for the US Navy during the War of 1812, Ellis Island has been through a number of purposes. In the 1770s, it was owned by a man named Samuel Ellis, who built a tavern on it and called it Oyster Island, just like the previous Dutch settlers had. The island was eventually sold to New York State, and then to the US government in the 1800s.

With the federal immigration center on Ellis Island opening on the 1st of January in 1892, this day certainly has a great deal of meaning for a wide range of people who have immigrated to the United States. In its 62 year history of use, Ellis Island processed more than twelve million immigrants who were moving into the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, so many people came through during those years that close to 40% of current US citizens can trace one of their relatives back to Ellis Island.

By 1954, the immigration center was considered too expensive to run and it finally closed on November 12 of that year. By the 1980s, the buildings had been turned into the National Immigration Museum and came into operation. The iconic great hall was carefully restored to its originally look from a century prior.

In late December 1991, just prior to the 100th anniversary of Ellis Island, US President George H. W. Bush made a proclamation for the founding of National Ellis Island Day!

How to Celebrate Ellis Island Day

Get involved with Ellis Island Day by celebrating and honoring the day with some of these plans and ideas:

Plan a Visit to Ellis Island and New York

One excellent way to pay homage to Ellis Island Day might be to plan a trip to New York City and visit the island in person. The island can only be accessed by ferry, with tickets and tours that can be arranged online through the official website of the National Park Service. Also, the American Family History Immigration Center, which is located at the museum on Ellis Island, offers access to families who want to conduct family history research and discovery. 

While visiting the National Immigration Museum, why not add in a little visit to Liberty Island to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty herself? It’s only a short ferry ride away.

Trace Your Family History

Since a big chunk of Americans can trace their ancestors back to this island, Ellis Island Day might be a fun time to do a bit of research on family history and ancestry. Of course, it can be done right there on Ellis Island, but those who can’t make a trip to do the research can still certainly find out all kinds of interesting things about their family tree from the past.

Through online sites, whether free or paid, people can plug in the information they already have and then find access to all sorts of related information through census records, government documents and much more. Once this information has been compiled, it can be shared with other family members who can collaborate on finding a complete family history. It’s an exciting way to delve into the past and also share this history with future generations to come!