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IN THE NEWS

Press Highlights

Happy 20th Anniversary, Ellis Island Immigrant Database!

Genealogy Life | April 15, 2021

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

The Chronicle of Philanthropy | April 13, 2021

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.

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

The New York Times | February 11, 2021

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

Tech Decisions | November 30, 2020

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

The NY Landmarks Conservancy | September 23, 2020

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.

Liberty’s controversial past finally acknowledged

The Australian | February 14, 2020

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.

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

Forbes | May 17, 2019

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.

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

Oprah Magazine | May 16, 2019

“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.