The story of Ellis Island is the story of the more than 12 million immigrants who passed through its doors from 1892 until 1954. During the Island's peak years (1892-1924) Ellis Island was the first American soil walked on by thousands of immigrants every single day. After being examined by doctors and inspectors for disease and other potential disabilities, these immigrants trudged up a series of steep stairs and entered the giant Registry Room. Over 100 million American men, women, and children can trace their ancestry to one of the names listed in the Ellis Island inspector's record book located in this room. After Ellis Island closed its doors in 1954 the once great brick and limestone building deteriorated into disrepair. In 1965 Ellis Island was included as a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and thanks to the donations of private citizens, this great piece of U.S. history was restored and opened as a museum in September 1990. Do you want to see inside the famous registry book? Go to the Ellis Island site (http://www.ellisisland.org) and search for passenger arrivals of your friends or family members!
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