Day 10 - Ellis Island

The next stop on the ferry was Ellis Island - where so many immigrants passed through on their way to a new life in America. Barbara's own ancesors on both the Blessing and Yates families came through here on the way to Rhode Island and Chicago. It is interesting how close this island is to the island that the Statue of Liberty is located.

This is the grand hall at Ellis Island. It is the big room that all immigres would have had to be processed. If they were ill or didn't have a sponsor (or way to support themselves) they would be turned away. For Barbara this room was significant as she had ancestors who had to walk this very room.

Seeing the display of luggage also made us think about how much did her ancestors bring? I suspect we have more than they had just for this trip. I can't imagine leaving everything - family, friends, worldly possessions to start over in a new country. We actually didn't do the genealogy thing here as they charge for internet time and charge a huge fee for anything you want copied.