Presented by NY Adventure Club

How did a tiny island off the coast of Manhattan become the busiest immigration station in the United States, where 20% of American citizens can trace their family roots to? This is the story of Ellis Island and how it defined what it means to be an American, the nation of immigrants.

Explore the incredible story of Ellis Island — between 1892-1924, this 27-acre island in New York Harbor processed over 12 million immigrants from around the world seeking a new life in the United States of America.

Led by NYC Tour Guide Michael Morgenthal — whose great grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island from Ukraine in 1905 — our virtual experience surrounding Ellis Island and the immigration experience will include:

Immigration prior to the opening of Ellis Island, and why the Federal Government decided to open multiple immigration stations throughout the country The harrowing journey of immigrants, from fleeing their homeland, to a barrage of medical/legal/financial examinations on Ellis Island, to stepping foot on to Manhattan island

The criteria used to admit entry to the United States, and what happened to those who were denied
Why Ellis Island was abandoned as an immigration point of entry in 1954, only 30 years after it became active
Ellis Island in modern times, from becoming our National Immigration Museum in 1990, to touring the island's abandoned hospital complex, to its relevance today when debating the issue of immigration
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Mike — any and all questions about Ellis Island are welcomed and encouraged!