2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Over a century ago, Ellis Island was the main port for immigrants coming to America in search of a better life. Today, nearly half of all Americans can trace their family history to at least one immigrant who passed through this historic port. Our American heritage is strengthened by the cultural contributions from the countless immigrants who have legally adopted our country as their own. As we examine our own family roots, we begin to understand the complexities of our unique American culture. We are a nation of immigrants and travelers, pursuing freedom and a better life.

Indeed, the very history of Ellis Island is rich with the stories of immigrants and travelers. Online, The Ellis Island Immigration Museum site has a special section devoted to family stories as told by Americans researching their ancestry. From the story of a woman researching her family's lost Irish heritage, to the tale of a man searching for answers to his father's secret and heartbreaking past - these individual accounts mirror the hope, dreams, sorrows and triumphs of the multitude of travelers passing through this most famous port.

Should you discover your family's history leads to Ellis Island, you can search millions of records for information on Ellis Island passengers in The Ellis Island Archives. Information about each traveler was written down in ships manifests.

Before searching The Ellis Island Archives, collect as much information as possible. Helpful facts include the passenger's first and last names; year of arrival or the best approximation; race, nationality, and religion; age; port of departure; and whether the passenger traveled with other family members.

Most importantly in the Passenger Record Archive, you'll find documentation of the individual passenger name, date of arrival, ship of travel, and age on arrival. The original ship manifests show the passenger names and other information, often including a picture.

The museum's official website: www.ellisisland.org offers valuable genealogy tools such as:

* Pedigree Chart - This four-generation family tree helps record details for direct-line ancestors. You can record detailed information for an unlimited number of generations and quickly reference them by relationship and number. Each chart holds information for up to 15 individuals and records name, birth date and place, marriage date and place, and death date and place.

* Family Group Sheet - A Family Group Sheet serves as a single source of genealogical information

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Finding your family roots in Ellis Island?
We want to hear your view. Write now!