This is as much for me as for you, but I hope you find it interesting. I’m comparing historical pictures of Ellis Island with ones I took back in 2011 (mostly, I’ve added a few others.) All of the historical photographs here came from the NYPL digital gallery.
Between 1892 and 1954 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island. There was a fire in 1897 and the immigration station burned to the ground. It was rebuilt with fire-safe brick, the brick you see today, a 125 year old building.
It’s interesting to note, however, that what we have today was restored after decades of neglect. There is still much to be restored on Ellis Island. You can help. Go to the Save Ellis Island web site and donate. Check to see if your employer is a matching donor as well.
