Happy 20th Anniversary, Ellis Island Immigrant Database!

What a difference two decades make

In April of 2001, a miracle occurred. Well, it certainly seemed that way at the time. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation (SOLEIF) opened the American Family Immigration History Center (AFIHC), launching an online database — digitized and indexed — of the passenger records of millions of immigrants who took their first steps in America at Ellis Island.

Fast forward 20 years, and we expect genealogical companies to provide fresh databases weekly, but I’d like to try to convey what a big deal this was. It was — quite literally — national news.

Transitions

Jesse Brackenbury, executive director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, is the next president and CEO of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. He succeeds Stephen Briganti, who became its leader in 1986 and is now retiring.

Tony Dokoupil explores his Ellis Island connection at the American Family Immigration History Center

Presidents’ Day: 5 Ways to Make It Meaningful This Year

At the Statue of Liberty Museum, visitors can see how the structure was produced and installed, as well as the original torch. On neighboring Ellis Island, visit the National Museum of Immigration to see photos, videos and heirlooms. Stop by the Family History Center in the hopes of learning your own story. Research assistants are on hand, if you and your genealogy need extra help.

The Statue of Liberty Museum’s Digital Signage

Three connected theaters in the Statue of Liberty Museum have their own floor-to-ceiling curved screens, one measuring 17’ x 24’ & two measuring 12’ x 20’.

Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards

Here’s to the Lucy’s! The 30th Lucy G. Moses Awards were a joyous, virtual celebration that featured an outstanding variety of projects and great preservation leaders. The video presentation is available here. It features a tribute to 30 years of Moses Awards and recognizes this year’s recipients.

Stephen Briganti, president and CEO of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. received the Public Leadership in Preservation Award.

Greenway Conservancy Executive Director to become CEO of Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation

BOSTON – The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit responsible for the management and care of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, announced that Executive Director Jesse Brackenbury has been named President and CEO of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation in New York.

Learn More About Your Ancestors With Ellis Island’s New $30 Research Program

The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation has long been a favorite destination for Americans to visit to try and learn a bit about their family history

Diane von Furstenberg Receives the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur From Christine Lagarde in Paris

Diane von Furstenberg has sold 15 million wrap dresses and raised $100 million for the Statue of Liberty Museum. It was in recognition of both of those…

Liberty’s controversial past finally acknowledged

In the current political climate, opening a new museum at the Statue of Liberty would seem an invitation to controversy. The US is in the midst of its most bitter debate on immigration for generations and, inevitably, the world’s best-known symbol of hope and freedom has been caught up in rhetoric during the Trump presidency.

Everything You Should Know About the New Statue of Liberty Museum

Construction costs for the 26,000-square-foot building topped $70 million, and over 4 million global visitors are expected to visit annually.…

Lee Iacocca, Visionary Automaker Who Led Both Ford and Chrysler, Is Dead at 94

Lee A. Iacocca, the visionary automaker who ran the Ford Motor Company and then the Chrysler Corporation and came to personify Detroit as the dream…

After Gala With Oprah And Other Stars, Statue Of Liberty Museum Opens

After Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and numerous other celebrities attended a star-studded gala Wednesday night at the new Statue of Liberty Museum, the museum on Manhattan’s Liberty Island opened its doors to the public Thursday.

The 26,000-square-foot museum, located behind the Statue of Liberty on the island’s west side, features three gallery spaces that aim “to inspire visitors and educate them about the Statue of Liberty in interactive and thought-provoking ways,” the museum says.

The Statue of Liberty Museum holds original torch, ‘soaring’ theater space

The 26,000-square-foot space offers expanded access to artifacts, content and exhibits on the history of the Statue of Liberty…

Oprah Declares America Needs “Open Arms and Not Closed Borders”

“Let freedom ring, y’all.”

Oprah Winfrey wants less hate, more acceptance.

On Wednesday, the O of O headed to Liberty Island to celebrate the opening of New York City’s new Statue of Liberty Museum, a 26,000-square-foot structure made possible with the fundraising support of fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg. It was just before touring the museum that Oprah stopped and spoke to the press about the significance of the Statue of Liberty—and the place she wants our country to return to.

The Statue of Liberty gets an AR app to celebrate its new museum

This week, the new $100 million Statue of Liberty Museum opens in the shadow of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. The 26,000-square-foot space offers insights into the statue’s storied history, along with context for the majority of visitors who ultimately can’t make it inside the structure.

For those who don’t make it to Liberty Island at all, meanwhile, there’s the brand new Statue of Liberty app, which hits the iOS App Store today. Led by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, the Yap Studios-developed app offers myriad methods for bringing New York Harbor’s landmark to life.

Apple’s newest AR app lets you visit the Statue of Liberty anywhere

A new app for the Statue of Liberty museum includes a crazily-detailed Liberty model, and immersive audio tours if you’re visiting for real.

A Wall That Honors Immigrants

It’s a wall. It’s made of steel. It was built because immigrants kept coming.

But it’s not the wall you’re thinking of.

We’re talking about the American Immigrant Wall of Honor at Ellis Island: 770 stainless steel panels engraved with the names of about 775,000 immigrants.

Take a Tour of Lady Liberty’s Torch (Right This Second)

The original Statue of Liberty torch — 3,600 pounds of copper and glass, and 16 feet tall — is being moved to the other side of Liberty Island. In advance of the crane’s arrival, we took 675 photographs to present the torch in augmented reality.