"Gateway to America" Ellis Island by nicolettart

Ellis Island Travel Guide: 59 reviews and 126 photos

Everyone should visit Ellis Island, even if you are not an immigrant. Chances are you are a descendant of someone who came through Ellis Island or know someone who did. Millions of people came between 1890's and 1954, many from Europe, but also from also from all over the world. It is such a moving experience to come here and see (and feel!) the hardship and struggle to come to America during those times. I learned so much and can't wait to go back!!

Leaving Home...

Naples, Italy

They left their homes and families, taking with them all they could carry on their backs, and didn't turn back.
Can you imagine? I stood frozen in front of this photo and could not hold back the tears...

Ellis Island is a Must See!!

This poster is an advertisement for a steamship.You will find many interesting exhibits here, including baggage, passports, postcards of old steamships, personal items brought by the immigrants, even the plates they ate off of! I have taken pictures of just about everything there, so check back often as I continue to build this page!!

Last visit to Ellis Island: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Jul 30, 2003
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Reviews (24)

Don't Mean to Bore You with More Old Stuff - Ellis Island

Don't Mean to Bore You with More Old... Favorites (11)

Apparently, there was no smoking at Ellis Island! I liked seeing all the old signs.There were even signs saved that... more travel advice

More Old Stuff Favorites (11)

more travel advice

see the old sewing machine on the chair? - Ellis Island

Old Stuff Favorites (11)

The old furniture and items on display were saved as is. The dust was not even wiped off and it appears that the... more travel advice

Old Brickwork and Tile Off The Beaten Path (1)

Since its restoration, the original walls of the building have been plastered over. If you look carefully as you walk... more travel advice

Things to Do (11)
See All Old Menus

Transportation (1)
From New Jersey

Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 31, 2003

0 photos

I Am an Italian American--a Must Read for Everyone

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Comments (33)

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silas9 Dec 2, 2009 at 7:54 PM

im planning on proposing to my girlfriend in ellis island. i've never been there before and would like ideas on where to pop the question and any special romantic tips about the island. Grazzi!
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travelgourmet Apr 27, 2009 at 12:37 PM

Buon giorno. Nice photos of Ellis Island, my grandparents first entry to the USA from Sicily, in 1904. Your wall of honor photo almost included Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli's family name,Castelluccio . Mi raccomando.
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Mikebond Feb 22, 2008 at 1:06 PM

Una pagina davvero emozionante! Chissà come deve essere dal vivo! La poesia è molto bella e dovrebbe essere letta da tutti gli italiani!
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Nemorino Sep 1, 2007 at 4:18 PM

Some of those Ellis Island portraits will be on exhibit at the new Cité de l'Histoire de l'Immigration in Paris later this year. My father entered though Ellis Island in 1928, but at that late date it was apparently no big deal, compared to earlier.
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Stephen-KarenConn Feb 8, 2007 at 7:06 PM

Your visit to Ellis Island was no doubt a moving experience. I was touched just by reading your page.
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aussiedoug Dec 4, 2006 at 4:25 AM

Buona sera da Sydney la amica mia. Il tuoi tips sono molto interessanto e gli mi piaccono molto (hope haven't mangled my italiano too badly there!) Ciao bella.
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gkitzmil Oct 25, 2006 at 3:36 PM

Great page. With just a little extra time in '05 I was able to view Ellis Island from New Jersey but not have time to go visit.
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Ruai Sep 2, 2006 at 4:29 PM

Great page. You are rightly proud of you roots!
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Sue08080 Jun 4, 2006 at 4:30 AM

Thanks, Nicolette.
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johngayton Apr 24, 2006 at 3:42 PM

Great page: having visited recently I am glad to see that VT has seperate listings for both Ellis and Liberty Islands, I wasn't sure how I was going to them justice if only allowed to use New York page.