Ellis Island Family History Tour
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- Trace your ancestors’ journey from Europe to America
- Learn about the immigrant experience through stories of trials and triumphs
- Personalised family history presentation in a handcrafted leather case
- Explore historic sites and public areas connected to Ellis Island
- Gain insight into immigration records, maps, and ancestral documents
- Stand on the grounds where millions of immigrants began their American journey
- Expert guide shares historical context and brings your family story to life
This immersive tour invites participants to explore the rich history of their family’s immigration journey from Europe to the gateway of America. Guests will trace the footsteps of their ancestors, learning about the challenges, triumphs, and resilience that defined their passage to a new life. Expert guides lead the experience, offering insights into historical events, social conditions, and personal stories that shaped each family’s migration. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of how their ancestors lived, traveled, and settled in a new world, making connections that extend beyond dates and places to the human experiences behind the history. Meeting Point is at Castle Clinton National Monument entrance, 21 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004.
Each tour includes a personalized family history presentation carefully crafted for every participant. The presentation comes housed in a handcrafted leather case adorned with the family crest, offering a tangible and intimate connection to the past. As guests walk the grounds of Ellis Island, they experience the very environment where their ancestors first stepped onto American soil. This combination of historical exploration, personal storytelling, and visual presentation makes the tour a unique way to honor family legacy and heritage. It is designed to engage both adults and younger participants, offering a meaningful experience that brings history to life in a personal and memorable way.
This immersive tour invites participants to explore the rich history of their family’s immigration journey from Europe to the gateway of America. Guests will trace the footsteps of their ancestors, learning about the challenges, triumphs, and resilience that defined their passage to a new life. Expert guides lead the experience, offering insights into historical events, social conditions, and personal stories that shaped each family’s migration. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of how their ancestors lived, traveled, and settled in a new world, making connections that extend beyond dates and places to the human experiences behind the history. Meeting Point is at Castle Clinton National Monument entrance, 21 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004.
Each tour includes a personalized family history presentation carefully crafted for every participant. The presentation comes housed in a handcrafted leather case adorned with the family crest, offering a tangible and intimate connection to the past. As guests walk the grounds of Ellis Island, they experience the very environment where their ancestors first stepped onto American soil. This combination of historical exploration, personal storytelling, and visual presentation makes the tour a unique way to honor family legacy and heritage. It is designed to engage both adults and younger participants, offering a meaningful experience that brings history to life in a personal and memorable way.
- This tour is All-inclusive
- Personalized family document research from Ellis Island
- Vintage folder with family crest
- Private guided two hour
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
$ 599
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Activity Provider: Forty Thieves Tours
Customer Reviews
As an immigrant myself, visiting this Island again after almost 30+ years was very educational and emotional for me. It resonanted with me in a very big way as it brought back memories of my childhood and witnessing the struggles of my mother when she emigrated to this incredible nation with her 2 young boys. This place is a must for any one visiting NYC from abroad and even for American's who live in the area, just an unforgettable experience. Located in New York Harbor, it served as the nation's busiest federal immigrant processing station for over 60 years and today offers a deep dive into the history and human stories of American immigration. Early Ownership: Originally called "Kioshk" (Gull Island) by Native Americans, it was later known as "Oyster Island" and "Gibbet Island" (due to its use for pirate executions). It finally took its name from Samuel Ellis, a merchant who owned it in the late 1700s. Federal Station (1892–1954): The federal government opened the first immigration station here on January 1, 1892. Annie Moore, a teenager from Ireland, was the first to be processed. "Island of Hope, Island of Tears": Between 1892 and 1924, more than 12 million immigrants passed through its gates. For most, it was the gateway to opportunity, but for the 2% denied entry for medical or legal reasons, it was a place of heartbreak. World War Usage & Closure: During both World Wars, the island served as a detention center for "enemy aliens" and a base for the Coast Guard and Army. It officially closed its doors in 1954. The Registry Room (Great Hall): Visitors can stand in the cavernous hall where immigrants underwent medical and legal "six-second scrutiny." "Through America’s Gate" Exhibit: This core gallery takes you through the step-by-step processing experience, featuring original artifacts, manifest tags, and even fragments of immigrant graffiti. Family History Center: A popular destination for those looking to trace their roots, this center provides access to over 65 million searchable arrival records and ship manifests. Peopling of America Center: Expanded in 2015, this section looks at immigration before 1892 and after 1954, providing a complete timeline from the 16th century to the modern day.
• No separate museum ticket needed: You don’t need to buy a special entry ticket just for the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration — your round‑trip ferry ticket to Ellis Island already includes access to the museum’s exhibits. • Rich, historic exhibits: Housed in the restored Main Building of the former immigration station, the museum tells the story of America’s immigrants with photographs, artifacts, interactive displays and the restored Registry Room where millions once passed through. • Excellent learning & photo spots: Inside you’ll find iconic spaces like the Baggage Room, Registry Room (Great Hall) and the American Family Immigration History Center — plus the American Immigrant Wall of Honor outdoors with views of the New York skyline. • Flexible timing: Because museum entry is included with the ferry, you can explore at your own pace — before or after visiting Liberty Island. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here. • Low additional cost: After the ferry ticket, there’s no extra charge for the museum or the self‑guided audio tour (available in 12 languages), making this both meaningful and affordable. --- ⚠️ What to keep in mind • Ferry required first: You must take the authenticated Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey) to reach the island — this is the only way to access the museum. • Crowds & wait times: Security screening and ferry lines can be lengthy during peak seasons; arrive early for smoother access. • Historic but large: Exhibits are spread over multiple floors and cover centuries of immigration history — plan time accordingly. • Research center may require extra time: The Family History Center and record search can be fascinating but time‑intensive if you dig deep
We had this included in our walking tour of Wall Street ticket. I had been here about eleven years ago and remembered it very differently. I felt sure there was a staircase that immigrants had to walk up and were being watched to assess their fitness. There was scaffolding up and areas closed so maybe I'd not pictured it right. It was full of fascinating facts and a fabulous building. Great views from the island, very windy!! Fabulous gift store too.