NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

From 1892 to 1924 some 16 million immigrants first set foot in the New World here. Today their descendants account for almost 40 percent of the U.S. population. Originally a 3-acre island, the site was expanded over the years to almost 28 acres supporting 36 buildings, yet facilities always seemed inadequate for the prodigious task at hand. In 1924 congressional immigration quotas slowed the tide of huddled masses yearning to be free. No longer needed for mass processing, the station became a detention and deportation center for undesirable aliens. In 1954 it was permanently closed. President Lyndon Johnson declared it a national monument in 1965.

In 1987, as part of a $160 million renovation, the main building was transformed into a museum. Covering 100,000 square feet, it features exhibits, restored areas and an innovative learning center for children. More than 30 galleries are filled with artifacts, historic photographs, posters and maps, as well as spaces where visitors can listen to the oral histories of immigrants and the ethnic music of many nations. Two theaters feature Island of Hope, Island of Tears, a documentary film; the exhibition Treasures from Home, contains priceless family heirlooms brought to America by immigrants and donated to the museum; and the exhibition Through America's Gate, a step-by-step view of the immigrant reception process. Visitors can search and obtain reproductions of their ancestors’ passenger records, ship manifests and images of the ships that brought them to America in the American Family Immigration History Center®.

Outside is 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 massive brick-and-limestone museum once housed dormitories, medical exam rooms and offices. Built in 1898 after a design by Boring & Tilton, the restoration was designed by Beyer, Blinder, Belle. Ellis Island is operated by the National Park Service.

• 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