Ellis Island: Then and Now
Move the slider to compare views of Ellis Island from one hundred years ago and today. More than 20 million people passed through the federal immigration station between 1892 and 1954. It was restored as a museum and reopened to the public in 1976. (Photo Credit: Bettmann/Corbis)
Interactives (1)
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Ellis Island: Then and Now
Ellis Island: Then and NowInteractive
Videos (20)
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Deconstructing History: Ellis Island
Deconstructing History: Ellis IslandVideo Clip (2:39)
Video Clip (2:39)
For over 60 years, Ellis Island was the gateway for millions of Americans to the United States. Explore the legacy of this symbol of American immigration.
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Deconstructing History: Statue of Liberty
Deconstructing History: Statue of LibertyVideo Clip (1:29)
Video Clip (1:29)
How many steps are there to the crown of the Statue of Liberty? Find out that and other facts and figures about America's most recognizable symbol of freedom.
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The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of LibertyVideo Clip (3:12)
Video Clip (3:12)
What do the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty have in common?
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Detained at Ellis Island
Detained at Ellis IslandVideo Clip (1:54)
Video Clip (1:54)
Immigrants detained on Ellis Island for legal or medical reasons spent a night in the Ferry Building. Hear the stories of those who lived this through unforgettable experience.
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Faces of America
Faces of AmericaVideo Clip (2:26)
Video Clip (2:26)
Prominent Americans talk about what makes America unique.
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Arrival at Ellis Island
Arrival at Ellis IslandVideo Clip (3:44)
Video Clip (3:44)
Seen from inbound ships, the Statue of Liberty was an emotional welcome for immigrants coming to America. Hear from those who remember their first glimpse of this symbol of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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Taking the Citizenship Oath
Taking the Citizenship OathVideo Clip (2:09)
Video Clip (2:09)
The History Channel tells us what it's like to take the oath.
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Statue of Liberty Unknown
Statue of Liberty UnknownVideo Clip (3:40)
Video Clip (3:40)
Did you know the Statue of Liberty was built to withstand hurricane-force winds with copper skin less than two pennies thick? And that's not all you may not know about this American icon.
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Importance of the Citizenship Exam
Importance of the Citizenship ExamVideo Clip (2:23)
Video Clip (2:23)
Why take the citizenship test? The History Channel tells us why.
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Ellis Island In Pictures
Ellis Island In PicturesVideo Clip (2:23)
Video Clip (2:23)
Experience Ellis Island from the viewfinder of photographer Stephen Wilkes, who spent years photo documenting the historic site.
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The Light of Ellis Island
The Light of Ellis IslandVideo Clip (1:51)
Video Clip (1:51)
The light of Ellis Island is infused with history and emotion. Photographer Stephen Wilkes, creator of the book "Ghosts of Freedom," describes the inspiration of the many souls who passed through this historic venue.
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The Ferry Building on Ellis Island
The Ferry Building on Ellis IslandVideo Clip (2:18)
Video Clip (2:18)
The Ferry Building was the starting point for new Americans on Ellis Island. Those who passed inspection waited there for boats to Manhattan and New Jersey. Explore this landmark of history, now totally restored.
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The Dark Underbelly of Ellis Island
The Dark Underbelly of Ellis IslandVideo Clip (2:59)
Video Clip (2:59)
The spirit of Ellis Island is captured in Stephen Wilkes' book of photographs entitled "Ghosts of Freedom." Wilkes spent over five years photographing Ellis Island, where both of his grandparents came to America.
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Hurdles to Citizenship on Ellis Island
Hurdles to Citizenship on Ellis IslandVideo Clip (2:05)
Video Clip (2:05)
The road to America passed through Ellis Island, but there were a few hurdles to clear before passage was granted. In addition to a medical exam, there was a bit of a pop quiz. Could you pass the test?
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Preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam
Preparing for the U.S. Citizenship ExamVideo Clip (3:12)
Video Clip (3:12)
The History Channel shares some stories of the citizenship test.
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Immigrants Landing at Ellis Island
Immigrants Landing at Ellis IslandVideo Clip (1:46)
Video Clip (1:46)
Immigrants arrive at Ellis Island in 1903.
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Entering Ellis Island
Entering Ellis IslandVideo Clip (2:14)
Video Clip (2:14)
Footage of immigrants entering Ellis Island in 1906.
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The Ellis Island Medical Inspection
The Ellis Island Medical InspectionVideo Clip (2:56)
Video Clip (2:56)
Upon arrival at Ellis Island, potential immigrants had to undergo medical screening. Most passed, but some didn't. Find out what happened to those who were not in the best of health.
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The Ellis Island Hospital
The Ellis Island HospitalVideo Clip (3:09)
Video Clip (3:09)
The south side of Ellis Island featured a public health hospital where about 10 percent of immigrants would have to go for further medical inspection. The Ellis Island hospital was also the birthplace of 355 babies.
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Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency
Theodore Roosevelt's PresidencyVideo Clip (3:01)
Video Clip (3:01)
Trace Theodore Roosevelt's legacy of reforming deplorable labor conditions and preserving the American landscape.
Photo Galleries (1)
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New York(10 Photos)
10 Photos
New York State is known for iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, as well as its diverse natural beauty.
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