NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Many Americans are descended from people who came to this part of the world from somewhere else. If these immigrants arrived between 1892 and 1954, they were probably among the 12 million who passed through the buildings of Ellis Island on their journey from the Old World to the New. Today, their descendants—along with other visitors—can stroll through the same buildings, now restored. More than 30 galleries are filled with artifacts, historic photographs, posters, maps, oral histories and ethnic music that evoke these throngs and the cultures they brought with them to American shores. Although most of the displays concern immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, they illuminate the challenges, hopes and fears faced by anyone beginning a new life in a new land. Million of visitors each year take the ferry here from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, with the option of stopping at Liberty Island to see the famous statue (see separate entry for Statue of Liberty National Monument).

The museum also houses the American Family Immigration History Center® that contains the ship passenger records of the more than 25 million people who entered America through the Port of New York and Ellis Island from 1892-1924. Visitors can search and obtain reproductions of their ancestors’ passenger records, ship manifests and images of the ships that brought them to America.

Outside, is the largest wall of names in the world, the American Immigrant Wall of Honor®, which features the names of more than 700,000 individuals and families who have been honored for posterity by their descendants. The Wall celebrates American immigration from colonial times right up to the present.

• Directions: Ferry to Ellis Island departs from Battery Park. To reach Battery Park, take 4, 5 train to Bowling Green or 1 train to South Ferry. Walk west through or along Battery Park to Castle Clinton, where ferry tickets are sold.

• ADA Compliant Restrooms: Restrooms aboard ferries are not handicapped accessible. There are accessible restrooms at Liberty State Park, Castle Clinton, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
• Audio Guides: Audio tour in nine languages. Kids audio tour for ages 6-10.
• Disability Access: Fully Accessible. TTY (212) 363-3211.
• Disability Assistance:
  Hearing. The film Island of Hope, Island of Tears is closed captioned and available with an audio description device. Video exhibits in main building contain captioning. Assisted listening induction loop device is available at the information desk for ranger-led tours and the movie. Ranger-guided tours in American Sign Language on set dates, spring through fall. ASL group tours can be arranged with at least 30 days' notice: (212) 363-3200, x178. TTY: (212) 363-8343 or e-mail Katherine_Craine@nps.gov.
  Mobility: Ferry personnel can provide assistance on the ferry gangways. Guide and other assist animals are welcome. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at both Liberty and Ellis Islands on a first come, first served basis.
  Vision: Tactile models of the island are behind the information desk. Information regarding the island's history is available to read in Braille at the information desk. Audio tours available for nominal fee. Large-print brochures available upon request.
  
• Gift Shops: T-shirts, mugs, postcards, books, ethnic items
• On-Site Food: Cafeteria