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Dedicated Passenger Search

Let Us Launch
Your Journey

NOTE: Effective May 1, 2021, the Dedicated Passenger Search service will become an
exclusive benefit for Voyage Members and above

 

Genealogy is one of the world’s most popular hobbies. The discovery process is exciting, emotional, and oftentimes surprising as you find your grandparents’ immigration records, learn the origins of a family tradition, or perhaps uncover an unknown relative.

The Foundation’s Dedicated Passenger Search teams you with our research experts to help start you on this genealogical journey.

How It Works

For a $50 donation, the American Family Immigration History Center will conduct one personalized search to find your family’s connection to Ellis Island and the Port of New York. Your donation supports the Foundation’s mission and commitment to keeping our database of 65 million passenger records available to everyone.

If the search is successful, you will receive a link to the results in our database. A copy of the Ship Manifest printed on archival paper and attractive document holder are available in our shop for displaying your ancestor’s arrival in America. If our team is unable to find your records, you will receive a special 10% off promo code for any item in our shop.

Let's Get Started

  1. Start by visiting our Shop to make your donation and secure your research session. If you are interested in searching for multiple passengers you can reserve additional sessions.
  2. You will receive a confirmation email with a “Dedicated Passenger Search” form; include as much information as possible (e.g., name, birth year, port of departure) then return the form to our research team. *
  3. After submitting your form, a research team member will be assigned to your search. The team will reach out if they have questions.
  4. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive search results.
  5. If your search is unsuccessful, you will receive a 10% off promo code for our Shop.

* Dedicate Passenger Search forms must be submitted within three months of purchase.

Reserve Your Search
You can also bundle the Dedicated Passenger Search service with a membership to the Foundation. Become a Member at the VOYAGE level and receive one free Dedicated Passenger Search, along with other benefits. Select the red DONATE button for details.
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Commemorating Your Family History

Heritage Documents

Ship Manifests were the official records documenting the arrival of passengers to American shores. Today, professional and amateur genealogists turn to Ship Manifests for vital information, including the immigrant’s original name, age upon arrival, occupation, last place of residence, and information about who the passenger is joining.  Pair the arrival records with an image of the steamship that transported your family to the shores of America.

Learn More

The Wall of Honor

Honor your family and heritage at this unique monument to immigration, joining the Museum and more than 750,000 individuals and families in celebrating who we are and where we came from. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor, located on Ellis Island, is a tribute to immigrants of all eras.  ONLY THREE PANELS REMAIN.

Learn More

Family History Center

Located in the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, the American Family Immigration History Center (Family History Center) is home to a vast archive of the immigrant experience. Comprising some 65 million searchable records, this awe-inspiring database gives modern Americans the opportunity to examine immigration documents, find connections to their ancestry and heritage, and offer their own contributions to an ever-growing catalogue of family stories.

Learn More