25 years ago, the Foundation spurred a genealogy craze with the online launch of a database of Ellis Island passenger records and the opening of a family history center on Ellis Island. The free database offered ship manifests from Ellis Island and the Port of New York.  

Now, we have just launched online our expanded Arrival Records Collection (ARC). This free resource has expanded by 50% to more than 100 million historical records from ports of entry including New York, Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. Over the course of 2026, we will continue to expand the ARC database to reach more than 150 million arrival records from the 1790s to the 1970s. Now, finding your family origins is possible on StatueOfLiberty.org whether your family came through Ellis Island, San Francisco, New Orleans, or elsewhere.  

These efforts build on our long-standing partnership with FamilySearch. FamilySearch now hosts the records, which are retrieved by our new, simpler search experience. As FamilySearch continues to digitize additional public records, our Arrival Records Collection will continue to expand. The legibility of many records has improved, although scans from microfilm decades ago can still present challenges. As the new search experience is currently in beta, we appreciate your patience as we prepare for full launch next month.  

Later this year, we will open a reimagined Records Discovery Center within the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. We will be able to welcome 50% more visitors to find their ancestors’ arrival records in the hallowed halls of this great American monument. The Records Discovery Center will also include new interactive exhibits, films, a lounge, and phone charging to welcome, inspire, and educate. 

Finding one’s family history is an incredibly emotional experience, and we’re proud to expand this opportunity. These efforts are only possible with the generous support of our donors – the Foundation uses no public funds for its projects. Consider supporting our work with a donation, by purchasing an archival copy or a record, or by inscribing a name on the Wall of Honor. If you would like help with your genealogical journey, you can be teamed with one of our research experts; one session of this Family Records Search service is included for Foundation members at the VOYAGE level and above. 

We hope the Arrival Records Collection is just the beginning of exploring your heritage. You can find additional free resources from FamilySearch, JewishGen, the National Archives, and more.