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Date:

Ellis Island Virtual Field Trip

To begin your journey, go here and watch the first few minutes of a video about Ellis Island. Answer the questions below.

  1. How many immigrants passed through Ellis Island between the years 1892 to 1924?
  1. What were some reasons immigrants came to America?
  1. Not all immigrants coming to America had to pass though Ellis Island. Specifically, which passengers coming into New York Harbor had to pass though Ellis Island?
  1. As the immigrants climbed the stairs, what were the doctors doing from the balconies above?
  1. What happened in the Registry Room/Great Hall?
  1. What happened at the Stairs of Separation?

You can stop the video at 5:40.

Watch this 1903 Edison film of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. You can start it at 55 seconds in. Imagine how these people felt; this was their first time setting foot in America. Maybe some of these people in the video are your ancestors!

Now go here to read more about the historical background of Ellis Island. Answer the questions below.

7.  What additional buildings were added after the fire of 1897?

8.  Why was the number of immigrants processed at Ellis Island significantly reduced in 1924?

9.  Describe the Emergency Quota Act of 1921.

10.  Describe the Immigration Act of 1924.

Now go here. Describe the work of the following employees at Ellis Island, and the purpose of their work.

11.  Inspector

12.  Clerk

13.  Interpreter

14.  Aid Worker

15.  Nurse

16.  Doctor

Next, go here. There are eight stories. Choose ONE to read and summarize below. If possible, pick a family from one of your ancestors’ countries of origin.

Now listen to some oral histories. Pick TEN to listen to (they’re short).

17.  Whose story could you most relate to and why?

18.  Whose story could you least relate to and why?

Finally, spend some time touring the island. Go here and click on the thumbnails icon at the bottom (third from the left). Use the thumbnails as a starting point for exploring the island. Left click and move the cursor, or use the arrow buttons, to get 360° views. Read the information in the top right corners of the pages. Fill in the chart below as you explore the island.

Things I already knew / Things that surprised me / Questions I still have

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