Incredible Photos Of Immigrants Arriving At Ellis Island

Expensive Restoration

Ellis Island’s immigration station closed in 1954 and was abandoned for several years. In 1965, it was proclaimed part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places the following year. Because it is symbolically one of the most important buildings in American history, $150 million was budgeted for its restoration.

The immigration museum was opened in 1990 and includes exhibits such as the Hearing Room, Peak Immigration Years, the Peopling of America, Restoring a Landmark, Silent Voices, Treasures from Home, and Ellis Island Chronicles. Three theaters host films and live performances.