Island of Hope, Island of Tears Well, it took me 42 years to get there, but it was worth the wait. This Sunday, I took my family, Aunt, and Grandmother to Ellis Island. I drove up to New Windsor, NY, loaded them up, and headed down the Palisades Parkway, towards New Jersey. From looking at a map, it would be easier going from Liberty Island In New Jersey, than from Battery Park, in New York. We traveled the 60 miles down the Jersey Turnpike to exit 14B. (Don't stay in the cars only lanes southbound, or you will do what I had to do and have to turn around). Follow Interstate 78 eastbound to Liberty Park. Liberty Park is a neat place, and has the ferry that runs to Ellis Island, and also to the Statue of Liberty. Price for the ferry ride and access to the islands are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, and $3.00 for children under 17. Since we wanted to get there early to avoid the hot sun, we arrived at 10:00 (first ferry runs at 09:30). The ferries are a nice break from the normal. Our ferry was Miss New Jersey. On the early ferries, there are not many people, so it makes a prime opportunity for taking pictures when approaching the islands, and you can actually get a seat on the top open deck. Parking is abundant and if you have a handicapped tag, it is close (100 yds) and free. Since my grandmother has one, we parked close, and we got grandma and my aunt boarded. The crew was very friendly, and took care seeing the elderly got seated. **note - if you are traveling with elderly folks, go right to the front of the line, and the crew will let them on first and get a seat near the entrance ramp. This includes going to and leaving the islands. The sightseeing is fantastic from the ferry. We approached Ellis Island (first stop) and docked. The grounds are really well maintained, and lots of benches at the seaside for sitting, watching the boats, and feeding the geese/seagulls. We went inside the museum. Here you will find information booths manned by Park Rangers. One, in particular, was very courteous when we asked about a wheelchair. They have quite a few. I deposited my drivers license and returned with two wheelchairs for grandma and my aunt (93 and 70). The ranger assisted us in going to the elevator and up to the second floor. Plus, we got a short guided tour. On the second floor, is one of three theaters. Take the time and see the film "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" before wondering around. It really sets the stage for the remainder of your adventure. (This is also available for sale in the gift shop). Ranger Simonelli (a paese?) gave a brief introduction, rules, and set the mood for the upcoming film. My grandmother keep nodding her head during the film, reflecting on the old days. The film describes why the immigrants left and how they arrived, what they went through, etc. When the film concluded, we toured the museum and saw pictures of the different ships that brought our ancestors. The museum has three floors, with elevator and escalator access. >From the museum brochure: Some of the highlights are: thirty separate exhibits filled with artifacts, historic photos, posters, maps, oral histories, and ethnic music. Treasures from Home, a collection of priceless family heirlooms brought to America by immigrants. An innovative learning center with state-of-the-art technology that teaches schoolchildren of all ages about their cultural heritage. Use of the center is by reservation only. Peopling of America, eleven graphic displays that chronicle four centuries of immigration history, from pre-Colonial times up to present day. Silent Voices, an exhibit of photographs and artifacts that describe an abandoned Ellis Island. An oral history collection containing hundreds of taped interviews with immigrants who were processed at Ellis Island. Use of this collection is by appointment. Two separate gallery areas that display special exhibits throughout the year. The Great Hall - Where newcomers underwent questioning and were either given permission to land or denied entry into the country. Wall of Honor - 420,000 names in the largest wall of names in the world. The park is open from 09:00 - 5:00pm daily, with extended hours in the summer. (212) 269-5755. There are actual birth certificates, passports, documents, etc. from every country. There are scale replicas of Ellis Island through the various periods and one of the steam ships There is a display of all the "stuff" left when the government closed down Ellis Island until the reopening. After touring the museum, we had hotdogs and fed the geese and seagulls, while awaiting for the next ferry. We then made a short stop at the Statue of Liberty, so the kids could see her. To register a name on the wall costs a minimum of $100. The lady at the desk states they cannot guarantee that any mailed-in names will get on the next engraving of the wall. They have to be placed at the Ellis Island museum. Donor Services (212) 883-1986. This was truly a great experience, especially having my grandmother and her daughter with us. My grandmother, Elvira Scotto D'Abbusco, immigrated from Monte di Procida, Italy to Ellis Island in September, 1920. She came on the ship Italia of the Anchor Line. We did find a picture of the Italia, which she identified as her ship. We took her to Italy last year to find her childhood home. Now the retracing of her footsteps is complete. We brought a copy of her passenger manifest, and took her picture holding it at "the desk", where access to the U.S. was granted or denied, in the Great Hall. She did remember many things, two being the fog that greeted her, and of the kerosene-smelling concoction they applied to her hair for lice. What a welcome for a scared, young 16 year old. 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