After successfully restoring the Statue of Liberty for her centennial in 1986, the Foundation turned its attention to Ellis Island. A team of architects and artisans was recruited to spearhead a restoration effort of unparalleled scale. The Island’s main building was restored and a immigration museum opened to the public  in 1990.  

The Foundation has continued to improve and expand the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. In 2001, the Foundation created a free online database of Ellis Island immigration arrival records and opened family history center in the museum. An expansion of the museum added exhibits that include the entire panorama of American immigration. In the recovery after Hurricane Sandy, the Foundation helped reopen the island to the public. 

Today, the Foundation is underway on a multi-year project to revitalize the museum for the 21st century. The visitor experience will be transformed with the addition of dozens of interactives and films, the creation of new public spaces, reimagined Records Discovery Center with an expanded Arrival Records Collection, improved accessibility, and free Wi-Fi.