The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Travel Post #21: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus' sonnet, New Colossus, which she wrote for a fundraiser auction to raise money for the pedestal upon which the Statue of Liberty now sits.

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was designed by Frederic Bartholdi. The statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, was a gift to the United States from the people of France. Lady Liberty is a robed female figure representing the Roman goddess of freedom—Libertas. She bears a touch and a “tabula ansata” which has the date of the American Declaration of Independence inscribed on it. A broken chain lies at her feet.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.statueofliberty.org/

America’s “Golden Door” (Ellis Island)

America's "Golden Door" was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. They came seeking freedom, opportunity, new lives. Over 12 million

immigrants passed through the doors of Ellis Island between January 1, 1892 and November 1954, hoping to achieve the "American Dream". These people, and their descendants, have woven their way into the fabric of American life. They have helped create the America we know today.

Things to Do:

· Self-Guided Tours: (3) floors of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum

· Movie: “Watch Island of Hope, Island of Tears”

· Passenger Search: Browse through records to trace the family name

Check Out Their Website: http://ellisisland.org/

No visit to New York City is complete without a trip to two of the world’s most famous historical landmarks—The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. New York harbor cruises are the best way to explore the landmarks for certain!