Immigration: Ellis Island
Find out what the immigration process was like for the 12 million people who passed through Ellis Island. There are virtual tours complete with historical photographs, audio files of immigrants discussing their experiences, and videos about the immigration process. Also includes timelines, primary documents, and simulations in which students choose a particular immigrant and then learn his/her fate. Includes links to eThemes Resources on the Statue of Liberty and immigrants in Missouri.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6,
- 7,
- 8,
- 9,
- 10,
- 11,
- 12
Links
-
Immigration Through Ellis Island Video
Learn the stories of families who enter the U.S. through Ellis Island in search of a new life. (Total Running Time: 28:25) NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).
-
Ellis Island: Gateway to America
Learn more about Ellis Island; including: a brief history; Ellis Island at a glance; medical, mental, and legal exams; the immigrants; Ellis Island today; and HyperStudio Stacks.
-
History Channel: Ellis Island
Click on the text to enter the site, which has audio clips of immigrants talking about their memories of coming to America. Click on the links at left for an interactive timeline that has videos and photographs, find out what questions the immigrants had to answer, explore the floor plan of Ellis Island, and learn how to build a family tree.
-
America: The Great Melting Pot
This Thinkquest includes a timeline of immigration and personal stories of both immigrants and workers at Ellis Island. There is information about immigrants from several nations, including England, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, and more.
-
Scholastic: Interactive Tour of Ellis Island
Take an interactive tour of Ellis Island and find out what it was like to be a newly arrived immigrant. Includes photographs, videos, and audio clips.
-
Jump Back in Time
Read about how Annie Moore became the first person to enter America through Ellis Island on January 1, 1892.
-
Episode: Ellis Island
This is a fun site for kids. Includes a slideshow on Ellis Island. Click on "Stowaway" to play an online game.
-
Lesson Plan: Immigration
This lesson plan on immigration is for grades third, fourth, and fifth.
-
American Family Immigration History Center
This is the official site of Ellis Island. Research your family's genealogy, plus learn more about the immigrants who arrived here. Includes many personal accounts and a timeline.
-
eThemes Resource: Missouri: European and African Heritage
Covers the settlement of Missouri by people of European or African ancestry. Topics include westward migration and immigration. Contains several links to other eThemes on similar topics. Includes videos on early Missouri Spanish explorers, French settlers in Ste. Genevieve, and German immigrants in Hermann.
-
eThemes Resource: Statue of Liberty
These sites explain the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. Includes the statue's dimensions and many photographs, including historical photographs of it under construction. There is also a biography of the sculptor.
Education Standards
