History Island

While in NYC, we visited Ellis and Liberty Islands.
My first trip to NYC was in 1985 when the Statue of Liberty was completely shrouded by scaffolding, being prepared for the centennial.

Ellis Island was beginning its restoration process after nearly 30 years of neglect. (People were just beginning to think that it might be useful as a landmark/museum)But we did go to the top of the WTC. My next visit was five years ago, and too soon after 9/11 for the parks to be re-opened. So this was the year to do it. I would have to say that Ellis Island was the highlight of my trip. I would love to go again and spend all day there. This place represents so much of what our country has always been about. People of the world desiring freedom, and willing to give up everything they have for the chance at it.

Hopes. Dreams. Disappointment.

Exerpts from letters and quotes from people who came...one Russian immigrant said that his mother told him it (saying goodbye) was like looking at him in his coffin. He never saw her again. This quote photographed is from a letter to a brother in the homeland..stating "come...and I have no intention of going to our country, because in our country I experienced only misery and poverty, and now I live better than a lord in our country."

We were on a tight schedule, but I stopped at this display, which had problems with glare from the skylight in the hallway, (so excuse the photos). Families of those who passed through Ellis Island had donated items that were brought to America from the homeland.

If you were going on a long trip, possibly never to return, and had limited storage space...what would you take???

Your wedding dress??

Your christening gown???

What else would define your existence? Give you hope?

Your Bible??

Religious icons that help you feel at home?