Save Ellis Island

Save Ellis Island founded in 1999, is an organization to raise money for the restoration, preservation and rehabilitation of Ellis Island’s abandoned buildings and to support historic preservation.

Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. It was one of the primary immigration centers used in America starting at its opening in 1892. The island features many buildings that once housed immigrants while waiting to enter the United States. The island also has the 750-bed Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, used to treat diseases and other ailments before immigrants could enter the country. Many babies were also born in this hospital creating new American citizens. The immigration center on Ellis Island was used from 1892 to 1954. More than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954, reaching a peak of 1.25 million in 1907. It has been estimated that one third of Americans today can trace at least one ancestor’s entry into the United States through Ellis Island.

Only three out of 33 buildings have been restored on Ellis Island. Save Ellis Island has an agreement with the National Park Service to fundraise for the rehabilitation, restoration and reuse of buildings mainly on the south side of the island. This agreement was finalized on February 1, 2001. The National Park Service also works with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. Together they raise funds to restore the Great Hall and create The Ellis Island Immigration Museum in 1990. Save Ellis Island plans to collaborate with the National Park Service until the project is done

Currently Save Ellis Island is working to raise the estimated $250 million it will take to restore the rest of the island. One of their main goals is to build the Ellis Island Institute and Conference Center in the remaining buildings. The Conference center is planned to be used for education about topics such as immigration, diversity, human health and well-being to go along with the themes of Ellis Island. The center will also house a museum with interactive programs and exhibits.

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Wikipedia