New York City
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty
- The Statue of Liberty is a gift from the French, designed by Frederic-August Bartholdi and built to commemorate America's 100th birthday. It was unveiled in 1886, and it's been a big hit ever since. It's not just size, 305 ft. tall, but she's very green (the statue is covered with a copper skin). And that's mom's face up there - Bartholdi used his mother's face as inspiration for the statue.
Take the boat from Battery Park to Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty.
There are two different tickets, both require timed entry reservation. First option is visit 10th floor observation Pedestal and other museum exhibits (including a full-size replica of Liberty's face). Second option is also climb up stairs to the Crown, top of Statue of Liberty.
Plan your visit on Statue of Liberty NPS website. Not only is timed entry reservation required, may be long wait times for ferry and security screening, going up the Crown, lockers are necessary for restricted items, and more.
While gazing up at the Statue of Liberty, here's some things to look for. Liberty's crown has seven rays, which symbolize the seven seas and seven continents. The tablet she is holding is inscribed with July 4, 1776 (the 1776 is in Roman numerals). Liberty's nose is 4 feet, 6 inches long, her mouth is 3 feet wide.
Tip: Even with your time pass reservation, you'll need to take the ferry to Liberty Island, and the lines can get long, so allow plenty of time for the boat ride, so you don't miss your time slot.
Ellis Island
- In your family, perhaps your ancestors came through Ellis Island to America. Starting in 1892, twelve million people arrived at Ellis Island, their first step on United States soil, where the fate of immigrants was decided.
After you've entered the main building, stop into theater for a 45 min. presentation, "Island of Hope, Island of Tears," with a 30 min. documentary. Inside the museum, kids can see the Registry Room where immigrants were processed, a dormitory room, clothing and items people brought from their homelands, models of Ellis Island, and most impressive, the
Stairs of Separation
, three different stairs. The left stair led to the New York ferry, right to the railroad office, and the center stair was for people who were detained (waiting for other relatives to arrive or medical inspections).
American Family Immigration History Center
- Search to find if your family records are at Ellis Island (1892 -1924). The information to bring with you - name and approximate age at arrival, date of arrival and port of departure.
There are loads of
picnic tables
outside, so if the weather's nice, bring a picnic. Also, nice views of the Statue of Liberty from Ellis Island.
