Ellis Island Immigration Centre (New York)

Ellis Island, situated in Upper New York Bay was the gateway to a new life in the USA for over 12 million immigrants, mainly from Europe and even today, over 100 million US citizens can trace ancestry back to immigrants who passed through its doors. Nowadays it is a popular attraction on cheap city breaks in New York, and offers up a fascinating slice of American social history. Entrance onto the island and its exhibits is complete free, although visitors have to pay for the ferry ride from either Battery Park in Manhattan or New Jersey.

 

The Ellis Island complex is a sprawling site made up of dozens of outbuildings which have now been turned into exhibition spaces and an intuitive history museum. Visitors can read the famous names on the Ellis Island Wall of Honour which includes notable immigrants like Bob Hope and Bela Lugosi. Exhibits include a complete list of all ship passenger lists, photography and personal effects and letters. There is also a captivating re-enactment of the famous 'six second' medical examinations and an interactive play with live actors detailing daily life at Ellis Island. On short breaks in New York, you can also take advantage of free guided tours around the facility and outside there are picturesque lawns and gardens perfect for a summer's day picnic.

 

Visitors come here from far and wide as a sort of pilgrimage to follow in the footsteps of their pioneering ancestors. Even if you are not researching your own family tree, it is a fascinating experience all the same. Spend a little time thumbing through the vast collection of personal records at the Historical Research Centre or attend one of the regular genealogy workshops which take place in summer months. Don't worry about dragging the kids along to Ellis Island. It is one of the most enjoyable distractions for teenage kids on a New York city break. There are plenty of fun interactive games and supervised treasure hunts for younger children too.